Megawide’s original proponent status was revoked for the NAIA project; seek reconsideration

This photo shows a representation of the planned Megawide-GMR transformation of NAIA Terminal 1. Megawide photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has revoked the original proponent (OPS) status granted to Megawide Construction Corp. and GMR Infrastructure for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

This was confirmed by Megawide itself, even saying that MIAA revoked the OPS on Tuesday.

But Megawide said it would file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that it has met all the requirements set by the government.

“Today, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced the revocation of Megawide and GMR Infrastructure’s Original Proponent Status partnership regarding its P109 billion proposal to rehabilitate and transform Ninoy Aquino International Airport,” Megawide said in a statement.

“At a time of deep economic crisis, the Filipino people today received a devastating blow against progress. A critical step towards the Philippines’ national economic recovery was further delayed by corrupt and vested interests who have spent millions trying to bring down the only capable and qualified player, ”he added.

Megawide media officer Anna Salgado told INQUIRER.net in an interview that they were not informed about the reason behind the revocation of the OPS.

“No information has been provided on why the only Filipino company with experience in delivering world-class airports to this country, which has fully met all requirements, should be denied the opportunity to help accelerate the economic recovery. “, said.

Megawide-GMR was the consortium behind the modernization of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport that has won multiple international awards. In September, the two companies delivered the Clark International Airport complex to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on budget and on time.

The government awarded Megawide-GMR the OPS for the renovation of NAIA’s Terminal 1 in July after the consortium delivered an unsolicited P109 billion proposal for the modernization of the country’s main international airport.

READ: Original Proponent Status of Megawide Bags for NAIA Modernization

Receiving the OPS means that Megawide-GMR could negotiate with the government as a private sector partner for the NAIA rehabilitation project.

“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, ”the company said.

According to Megawide, they first submitted a proposal for the rehabilitation of NAIA in 2018. Five months ago or “after nearly two years of unsuccessful discussions with several of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines,” he said DOTr was asked to “consider resubmit a proposal for the rehabilitation of the aging NAIA ”.

Prior to the Megawide’-GMR proposal, a “super consortium” was awarded the OPS for the NAIA rehabilitation project. The consortium includes Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of Ayalas, Alliance Global Group Inc. led by Andrew Tan, Emerging Dragon Corp. of Asia led by Lucio Tan, Filinvest Development Corp. led by Gotianun, JG Summit led by Gokongwei Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

However, this super consortium withdrew from the project, Megawide said.

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

Megawide said they responded accordingly to the national government’s insistence that terms of the contract were stricter than those of the previous proponent.

“In response to that call, Megawide presented an innovative proposal that sought not only to rehabilitate NAIA but to transform it into a first world global airport complex,” he said.

“As the only Philippine company to design, engineer and operate the only world-class airport in the Philippines today, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), in conjunction with GMR Infrastructure, the world’s fourth-largest airport operator, Megawide has demonstrated its airport experience in the real world and its success, ”he also said.

If Megawide had the opportunity to continue doing the NAIA project, he said that under his proposal “it will not only rehabilitate facilities; it will also enhance and enhance the livelihoods of thousands of airport employees to make them experts in their fields. “

“Megawide strongly believes in President Duterte’s vision of providing better infrastructure for all Filipinos. The Company also believes that now, as our people suffer from the dual impacts of public health and the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, is the time for responsible and exemplary Philippine companies to step up, contribute and fight. for the welfare of our nation. economic future ”, he added.

KGA

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