MCIA congressional hearing on March 12

CEBU, Philippines - The congressional inquiry into the multi-billion peso Mactan-Cebu International Airport project is set for March 12 at 9:30 in the morning.

This was confirmed by Cebu City North District Rep. Raul Del Mar, one of the authors of the resolution that seeks for an inquiry into the MCIA project, which has not been awarded to the highest bidder due to issues raised by another bidder.

 Those invited to the hearing are Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary and MCIAA Chairman of the Board Joseph Emilio Abaya; Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, head of pre-qualification and awards committee for MCIA project; MCIAA General Manager Engineer Nigel Paul Villarete; and Public Private Partnership of the Philippines Executive Director Cosette Canilao.  

 Del Mar said none of the bidders are invited during the initial inquiry.

Last month, majority of Cebuano legislators submitted a resolution for the House Committee on Transportation to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the allegation of conflict of interest against the highest bidder.

“Let’s focus on this (inquiry) first before the highest bidder will face the committee on transportation,” he stressed.

 The second highest bidder, the Filinvest-Changi Airport International (CAI) Consortium, raised the issue of conflict of interest based on the prohibition of the rules of the Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) against the highest bidder, GMR-Megawide Consortium.

“We have to solve the issues fast because we cannot move forward and not to delay the improvement. If not resolved it wouldn’t be implemented,” Del Mar said.

 The congressman said they requested for the said date since Congress will have a break on March 15.

 He also said that they requested to conduct the second inquiry in Cebu. However, the date is yet to be set.  

  Del Mar said they want to hear the sentiments from DOTC on the complaints raised against the highest bidder.

 â€œThey have not commented on the complaint yet. Has it been awarded? If the complaint found with basis what happen then?” Del Mar pointed out. —(FREEMAN)