MANILA -- (UPDATE) The "super consortium" seeking to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said on Tuesday that the project has again hit a snag, as the government was "not willing" to accept its revised proposal.
The NAIA Consortium said it sent a letter to the National Economic Development Authority stating that due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport rehabilitation project could only move forward under its proposed revised conditions.
"Unfortunately, the government indicated that it is not willing to accept most of the Consortium's proposed options and the Consortium can only move forward with the NAIA Project under the
options it has proposed," it said.
"The far-reaching and long-lasting consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on airline travel, airline operations and airport passenger traffic necessitated a review of the assumptions and plans to ensure that the NAIA Project will be viable in the "new normal," the statement said.
Consortium members JG Summit, LT Group, Filinvest Development Corp, Alliance Global Group Inc, Ayala Corp and Aboitiz Equity Ventures posted the disclosure separately on Tuesday.
Manuel Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investment Corp earlier informed the other members of its "intent to withdraw" from the project.
The group was granted the “original proponent status” in August 2018.
An official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) meanwhile said it was up to NEDA and its Investments Coordination Committee (ICC) to approve or reject changes in the terms of the agreement.
“DOTr and MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority) cannot just change what was approved by ICC and NEDA Board as approving body under the law,” said Transportation Undersecretary Benny Reinoso.
The Consortium said it remains committed to supporting government infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships
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