2 proponents in talks with gov’t on NAIA rehab project, says Dominguez

MANILA, Philippines — Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Wednesday bared that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is in talks with two proponents to possibly replace the consortium to upgrade the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

“I got a copy of the letter of the NAIA consortium saying the current economic situation is such that they are not confident they can finance the project, that they cannot together push through with it,” Dominguez said in a pre-State of the Nation Address forum.

“However, let me say, I understand the DOTr under Secretary [Arthur] Tugade as well as Vince Dizon who heads the infrastructure projects are in conversation with two more potential proponents for the NAIA project,” he added.

Dominguez did not disclose the two groups.

The government rejected the proposed changes to the redevelopment of NAIA, the NAIA Consortium earlier said.

The group which is composed of six conglomerates said changes it had proposed were critical to making the project “viable” amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We’re not worried about it. I believe these other two proponents are willing to step up to the plate here,” Dominguez said.

The NAIA rehabilitation project aims to broaden its passenger capacity and increase flights to solve congestion.

/MUF