Bohol-Panglao project poised for Swiss challenge
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is hoping to open to challengers the P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport proposal by the Aboitiz group in the fourth quarter.
Roberto Lim, Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports, told reporters in Ortigas last week they were awaiting the regulatory approval first before conducting the Swiss challenge for the airport project.
Under a Swiss challenge, other parties would be able to rival the offer of the holder of the original proponent status, which the Aboitiz group obtained in 2018. The OPS is then allowed to match or counter the offer.
“It (Swiss challenge) is still on schedule,” Lim said.
The Bohol-Panglao International Airport project seeks to expand the terminal to accommodate 4.9 million passengers annually from the current 2 million.
Included in the 30-year contract is the expansion or construction of a new passenger terminal and installation of additional equipment and facilities.
Meanwhile, the group’s proposed P12.75-billion Laguindingan International Airport project is set to undergo Swiss challenge soon.
This project seeks to improve connectivity to northern Mindanao, which includes Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon and Camiguin, among others.
The deadline for the submission of competing bids is on Aug. 12. Jeffrey Manalo, Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director, had said that Aboitiz would secure the contract if no other entity would challenge its proposal.
