PPA wants North Harbor privatization settled

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it will petition the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to make an early resolution of a court suit filed against it by the Harbour Centre-Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) in connection with the bidding for the privatization of North Harbor.

PPA general manager Oscar Sevilla said due to the North Harbor’s dilapidated condition, safety considerations make it imperative for the port to undergo rehabilitation.

“It’s in danger of collapsing,” Sevilla said.

Sevilla said that with a ruling from the Manila court, the PPA can go on with the bidding for a 25-year contract to operate North Harbor, renewable for another 25 years, which would pave the way for the rehabilitation of the port by the winning bidder.

Harbour Centre Port Terminals, Inc. (HCPTI)  and its joint venture partner MPIC, filed a case against PPA when it declared a failure of bidding last July when the consortium was the only one pre-qualified to bid for the contract.

The HCPTI-MPIC consortium said the PPA should have started a negotiated bid proceeding with them since they were the only one qualified to participate in the bidding for the contract.

Sevilla, for his part, said the PPA was determined to hold a rebidding to get at least two participating bidders. – Rainier Allan Ronda