[ bworldonline.com ]
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) granted original
proponent status to Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) for the operations,
maintenance, and future expansion of the New Bohol International
Airport in Panglao, the company said on Friday.
“We believe our proposal provides an expedient and comprehensive
solution for the immediate and long-term needs of the New Bohol
International Airport. We also remain committed and ready to support the
government in its initiative to develop and enhance other regional
airports throughout the country,” AIC president and chief executive
officer Sabin M. Aboitiz said was quoted as saying in a statement.
Located on Panglao island, the new airport is seen as the replacement for the one currently operating in Tagbilaran City.As an unsolicited proposal, the New Bohol International Airport
project will have to go through a Swiss challenge, where other groups
may submit counterproposals that AIC has the option to match.
The Bohol airport project was part of the unsolicited proposal
submitted by AIC last March for the P148-billion upgrade of four
regional airports. This included airports in Iloilo, Bacolod-Silay, and
Laguindingan.
However, AIC’s unsolicited proposal was rejected by the DoTr in April, as the government does not support bundled proposals.
“In line with AIC’s commitment to support the Philippine government’s
efforts in advancing infrastructure with the country, we look forward
to moving ahead with our proposal to provide a long-term solution for
the operations, maintenance, and future expansions of the New Bohol
Airport,” Mr. Aboitiz said.
The Aboitiz-led company edged out businessman Dennis A. Uy’s Chelsea
Logistics Holdings Corp. which also submitted a proposal for the New
Bohol International Airport and the Davao International Airport.
AIC is also part of the “super consortium” was granted original
proponent status by the government for its P102-billion proposal to
rehabilitate and expand the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Aside from AIC, the NAIA consortium includes AC Infrastructure
Holdings Corp.; Alliance Global Group, Inc.; Asia’s Emerging Dragon
Corp.; Filinvest Development Corp.; JG Summit Holdings, Inc. and Metro
Pacific Investments Corp. Changi Airports International Private Ltd. is
the technical partner. — R.J.N.Ignacio
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