Protest filed vs NAIA CCTV system deal

MANILA, Philippines - A company that participated in the bidding for the P486-million closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has filed a protest before the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which runs the NAIA.

In a protest filed on July 27, Annex Digital and Geutebruck Pty. Ltd. joint venture representative Rea Lactao claimed that the bidding requirements were repeatedly changed to disqualify those that won and favor those already disqualified.

Lactao also questioned the authority of consultant Rhizaldy Reblora, who allegedly rigged the bidding process to favor either of the two contractors – Advanced Security and Safety Solutions and One Commerce Int’l Corp. – that were disqualified earlier in the process.

MIAA spokesperson Dave de Castro said yesterday the terms of reference were changed following a safety advisory issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines against using wireless connectivity, noting that this technology will interfere with aviation electronics and navigational equipment.

The MIAA board has yet to set a schedule to deliberate on the protest.