Bidders in Sangley Point airport project dared to file charges

MANILA, Philippines — Bidders who backed out of the $10-billion Sangley Point International Airport project should file complaints if they have proof that there are anomalies in the bidding process, Malacañang said yesterday. 

Reports said some groups that had expressed interest to undertake the project backed out because of a “rushed” selection process and “unrealistic” deadline imposed on bidders.   

A consortium that includes state-run China Communications Construction Co. was reportedly favored from the start, based on the joint venture documents and feasibility study for the project.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Malacañang is open to look into the bidding process for the project.

He encouraged the groups that backed out to file complaints if they could prove that the process was tainted with irregularities.  

“The presumption is it is aboveboard, unless you give us proof that it is not,” Panelo said. “You must remember that this government has always been open to any complaint. In fact, we encourage people to complain, so that we will know whatever anomalies there are.”

Panelo noted that bidders are supposed to comply with certain conditions set by the agency in charge of the project.  

“So if the Chinese company has complied with the requirements unlike others, then necessarily the Chinese firm will be the chosen one,” he said.

The Sangley Point International Airport project is intended to ease congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s main gateway.