BIZ BUZZ: MIAC pledges support for Naia project

One would have thought that the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC), which had submitted an unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate and upgrade the much-criticized Ninoy Aquino International Airport, would be a sore loser.

But the group led by the country’s largest conglomerates has emerged a gracious loser in the bidding for the lucrative 15-year contract that was earlier awarded to the group led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC).

The SMC-led consortium bagged the contract after committing the highest revenue share with the government of 82.16 percent. MIAC, on the other hand, handed in the lowest of 25.91 percent.

“We fully support the outcome and the ongoing efforts of the government to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the primary gateway to the capital region of the Philippines,” MIAC said in a statement.

“We also support the government’s efforts on privatization, which further strengthens the collaboration between the public and private sectors,” it added, “We will continue to support nation-building efforts and rally behind the government in all its programs to promote a stronger and more progressive Philippines.” –– Tina Arceo-Dumlao

MVP also cheers on RSA

Billionaire Manuel V. Pangilinan did not miss the opportunity to throw support behind fellow billionaire Ramon Ang who triumphantly secured the P170.6-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) rehabilitation project recently.

“I congratulated him (Ang). Hell of a bid, no doubt. So, congratulations,” Pangilinan told media on Monday evening in Forbes Park. Ang put forward the most aggressive proposal, sealing his group’s victory in the competitive Naia bidding process.

Pangilinan expressed his confidence over Ang’s capability to take over the operations and maintenance of the country’s main gateway. For one, Pangilinan said the San Miguel chief is very hands on with his tollway business—a reflection of what Ang can do with Naia.

“He’s (Ang) also a mechanic at heart. He likes to tinker and I think he does a lot checking up of his tollways,” Pangilinan said.

“He found a new toy with Naia. He’s going to be at it,” he added.

Pangilinan and Ang have been working closely together after entering into a partnership to build tollways in Southern Tagalog. — Tyrone Jasper C. Piad