Megawide’s original proponent status was revoked as some sectors don’t want Naia renewed – Source

Representation of Megawide-GMR’s planned transformation of NAIA Terminal 1; the company plans to file a reconsideration request

MANILA, Philippines – The revocation of the original proponent status granted to Megawide Construction Corp. and its partner for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) may have been caused by sectors that could lose with the modernization of the airport.

This was the assertion of a source close to Megawide, who told INQUIRER.net on Tuesday that the company believes that corruption and competing business interests led to the revocation of original proponent (OPS) status by the Authority. from Manila International Airport (MIAA).

But apart from that, he also said that some competitors and groups who want to build other airports around the National Capital Region may be against it, as a modernized and functional Naia can hurt their offers.

“Everyone knows that Naia is not a world-class airport, and how many scandals have been associated with Naia for so many years? So obviously there must be people within Naia who don’t want positive change. And there are also people, perhaps there are companies without previous airport experience that do not want Naia to transform because they feel threatened, “he said in a telephone interview.

“All those visions are wrong, why? Because Metro Manila is so big, it’s like Tokyo, Mexico City, or New York City, each of which has multiple airports. It makes no sense that the Filipino people continue to suffer. The main airport in the capital region will remain Naia for years to come, but will it be allowed to deteriorate? Come on, now is the time for our country to act together, ”he said.

“The public and the government must ask what kind of party would benefit if Naia is not transformed into a first world airport managed in a transparent way. Isn’t it time to break this legacy of corruption and backwardness? “

The source did not explicitly mention which airport projects are being referred to, but a 500 billion pesos airport is proposed at Sangley Point in Cavite, while the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan has been approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Sangley Point International Airport is considered to be a joint venture between the Cavite government, MacroAsia Corp. of billionaire Lucio Tan and its partner China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. (CCCC). Meanwhile, the construction of the new Manila airport will be spearheaded by San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

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Both airports have faced multiple controversies: Critics have raised concerns about China’s involvement in Sangley Airport considering that the country has a pending dispute with the Asian superpower over the Western Philippine Sea.

For the New Manila International Airport, environmental defenders warned that flooding could occur due to the recovery project, as part of the airport would be located in Manila Bay; therefore, displaced water can cause flooding.

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Previously, it was reported that MIAA revoked the OPS, and Megawide claimed that they did not know the reason why this move was made.

The OPS was handed over to Megawide and its partner GMR Infrastructure of India in July 2020, after they submitted an unsolicited P109 billion proposal for the modernization of Naia, often touted as one of the worst international airports in the world.

READ: Megawide original proponent status revoked for NAIA project; seek reconsideration

READ: Original Proponent Status of Megawide Bags for NAIA Modernization

The alleged lack of motive was confirmed by the source, who said that nothing was delivered despite having complied with government requirements.

According to him, the people who would deny the rehabilitation of Naia, the main gateway to the Philippines and used by Filipinos and foreigners alike, have questionable motives, especially as the infrastructure project could be a huge boost to the ailing economy.

“The public must understand that they have just been denied another step towards our economic recovery, everyone knows that the way forward to get out of the economic crisis is through a significant investment in infrastructure,” said the source of Megawide.

“And this was a P109 billion project fully financed by the private sector. Not a penny will come from the government or the Filipino citizen. However, did any party want to end this project? You have to ask yourself why, ”he added.

In the statement, Megawide said they will file a motion for reconsideration.

“Megawide-GMR will immediately present a motion to reconsider its proposal. At all stages, Megawide has complied with all government requirements and interpretations for its unsolicited proposal. There are no justifiable reasons to deny the Filipino people a transformed NAIA, ”Megawide said.

“Megawide and GMR Infrastructure (GMR) first submitted a proposal for the rehabilitation of NAIA in 2018. Five months ago, after nearly two years of unsuccessful discussions with several of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, the Department of Transportation (DOTr ) asked Megawide) to consider resubmitting a proposal for the rehabilitation of the aging NAIA, ”the firm added.

The Megawide-GMR consortium was not the first group to push for Naia’s rehabilitation: a super-consortium made up of the country’s main construction and holding companies was created, but the group eventually withdrew from the deal.

“Today was disappointing, but as more Filipinos learn the facts behind the proposal, they understand that the total capital of 109 billion pesos has been successfully raised and they are ready to employ thousands of Filipinos right now, when all the jobs in our economy are critical, so there is a real opportunity to give President Duterte and the national government a key economic victory. The country needs this project, the company believes in its proposal and they will fight for it ”, he added.

READ: The government turns to Megawide for the rehabilitation of Naia

/ MUF

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