Cebu bizmen say Congress probe on MCIA expansion bidding may cause more delays

JUST resolve the issue and get things done quickly.

This was the common sentiment of Cebu’s business leaders on the proposal of Cebu 1st district Representative Gerald “Samsam”  Gullas to investigate the delay of the multi-billion rehabilitation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

“We fear that the probe will cause more delay on the already very delayed project,” said Philip Tan,  Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Philip N. Tan.
An interview with other local businessmen would show that they don’t care much who wins the bidding, but on speeding up the project.

If there should be an investigation on the issue, it must be efficient and quick, added Tan.
Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph shared the same sentiment.

“The delay in the resolution of the protest and awarding of the contract is the problem. That delay will further discourage investors in the already severely delayed PPP program.
These delays speak of incompetence in the preparation of the tender documents, in the pre-qualification process and in the management of the entire PPP program,” said Joseph.

“I am not sure a probe will be able to address this issue without undue delay.  It may in fact exacerbate the delay,” he added.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry past and current presidents, Prudencio Gesta and Lito Maderazo also said that the awarding of the winning bid is long overdue and that DOTC should now make a quick decision.

“DOTC has to resolve it ASAP as our reputation as a country to the international business community is at stake,” Maderazo said.

Gesta, for his part, said it is best for the project to be left to the MCIAA Board to decide especially since there’s no public funds directly involved. Any further delay is a lost opportunity to generate more revenues.

Network of Independent Travel Agencies (Nitas) president Consul Robert Lim Joseph will write a letter asking the DOTC to award the project.

“We have heard the side of GMR and we think they went through the process and won the bid fair and square so why the delay now?”

Nitas will get support from other tourism groups like SKAL, TEAM Philippines, League of Tourism Students, Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Cebu Travel and Tours Association (CTTA), Philtoa and the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (Naitas).

Filinvest Development Corp. chief operations officer Eleuterio Coronel also agree with the business leaders on the need for a quick resolution on the issue.