NEDA approves P20-B floor price for CALAX project

MANILA, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved yesterday a P20.1-billion minimum bid price for the P34.5-billion Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. made the announcement after President Aquino and the NEDA board met from 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. to discuss various infrastructure projects.

Cosette Canilao of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center earlier said the invitation to bid for the toll road project would be published after the NEDA board approval.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson was looking at four months from publication to award the project, she added.

Aquino ordered the rebidding of CALAX after the board considered the appeal of disqualified bidder Optimal Infrastructure Development, Inc. (OIDI).

A unit of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp., OIDI reportedly offered a P20.105-billion premium bid while the next complying bidder, Ayala-Aboitiz’s Team Orion, offered P11.7 billion.

Despite getting mixed reactions from investors, Aquino said rebidding CALAX was a matter of government’s obligation to “get the best deal for our people.”

The highly coveted CALAX project involves the financing, design and construction of a 47-kilometer, four-lane toll expressway connecting the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

The winning contractor will have the right to operate and maintain the toll road for 35 years, inclusive of the design and construction period. – With Delon Porcalla