Davide wants MCIA probe done in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Hilario Davide III wants that the congressional investigation into the multi-billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport expansion project will be held in Cebu.

“I would prefer nga ari diri sa Cebu para pud ang mga kaigsoonan natong mga Sugbuanon ma-aware if there’s going to be that hearing,” Davide told reporters.

Majority of the Cebuano lawmakers are pushing for the investigation into the delay in the awarding of contract to the winning bidder. Eight of the nine Cebu congressmen have asked the House committee on good government and transportation to conduct the inquiry.

The resolutions were introduced by Cebu first district Rep. Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar. The move has already earned the support of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and other lawmakers.

A separate call for investigation was also made by another Cebuano lawmaker in the Senate. Senator Sergio Osmeña III also asked the upper chamber of Congress to look into it.

The tandem of Megawide Construction Corp., a Philippine Stocks Exchange-listed entity, and Bangalore, India-based GMR Airports Ltd. submitted the highest offer of P14.404-billion for the right to undertake the project and operate the facility for 25 years.

However, the project was not awarded to the highest bidder because of a complaint filed by Filinvest-Changi Airports International Consortium, the second highest bidder, questioning the financial capability of GMR-Megawide consortium.

The highest bidder, however, expressed its willingness to provide all the necessary documents needed by the lawmakers.—(FREEMAN)