2 groups show interest in SCTEX price challenge

MANILA, Philippines - At least two firms have expressed interest in the price challenge for the management, operation and maintenance of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said.

According to BCDA, San Miguel Corp. and the law firm of Aguirre Abaño Pamfilo Paras Pineda and Agustin (for an undisclosed client), attended the pre-selection conference conducted yesterday.

Both parties bought bid documents.

“We are pleased with the turnout and we are confident of the project’s viability,” Nena Radoc, price challenge selection committee chairperson of the BCDA said.

“Healthy competition should bring about better service for motorists and the best deal for government,” she said further.

The BCDA is conducting a price challenge for the management, operation and maintenance of the SCTEX, which traverses the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac, for a period of 28 years or ending in 2043.

The price challenge is being conducted in line with a directive from the Office of the President in the interest of transparency and fair competition.

In 2011, a Business Operating Agreement (BOA) was signed by BCDA with Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) for the operation and management of the SCTEX for 33 years.

Under the BOA, the BCDA would be relieved of payment of the P34-billion debt to the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the construction of the tollway.

Interested parties have until Jan. 30 to submit proposals higher MNTC’s offer of an upfront cash payment of P3.5 billion, inclusive of a 12 percent value-added tax to the BCDA in addition to the 50-50 sharing of gross revenues, for the price challenge.

MNTC, which was also present during the conference, has the right to match the highest bid for the project.

The BCDA, which is mandated to transform former US military bases into alternative productive civilian use, engages in public-private partnerships to promote infrastructure projects such as tollways, airports, seaports, as well as other major real estate developments.