Changes in bid terms threaten P2.5-B transport hub

The construction of a P2.5-billion transport hub in southern Metro Manila could be delayed as the project’s bidders sought changes in the public-private partnership agreement that would require the approval of the President.

A bid bulletin showed prospective bidders raised “commercial and technical” matters during one-on-one meetings with representatives of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). Agency officials then proposed changes to the terms of the Integrated Transport System Project–Southwest Terminal PPP.

“These changes, however, will have to be approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board,” the DOTC memo said.

The Neda board is chaired by President Aquino. No other details were given on the project, which has attracted at least 11 groups.

Transportation department spokesman Michael Sagcal said the bid parameter was a key issue raised by bidders.

But the government still wants to meet the June 16 bid submission deadline, Sagcal added.

“We hope to get approval within the month of May, in time to revise the concession agreement so as not to affect the bid submission deadline,” he explained.

DOTC bids and awards committee chair Jose Lotilla and PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

The PPP project called for the construction of a transport hub for various mass transit systems, including elevated railways in Metro Manila.

It will be located on a 2.9-hectare property and will connect passengers coming from Cavite to urban transportation vehicles like the Light Rail Transit Line 1, public buses, jeeps and taxis.

Groups that have so far acquired bid documents for the project are Ayala Group, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., D.M. Wenceslao and Associates, San Miguel Corp., Vicente T. Lao Construction, Egis Projects SA., Robinsons Land Corp., Filinvest Land Inc., Megawide Construction Corp., State Properties Corp. and Expedition Construction Corp. The terminal will also include arrival and departure bays, public information systems, ticketing and baggage handling facilities and park-ride facilities.

“This terminal will ensure effective interconnection between different transport modes and services and thus ensure efficient and seamless travel for the commuting public,” the DOTC said in its bid invitation.

The DOTC said the winning bidder for the Integrated Transport System will finance, design, build, operate and maintain the facility for 35 years. The DOTC added that the project would be implemented under the build-transfer-operate scheme.