ADB: Potential NAIA bidders seek longer deadline

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has recommended extending the bid submission deadline for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) until January next year. In a document obtained by reporters, the bank said the proposal is meant to give potential bidders more time to prepare and submit their bids, which it said would result in “more competition and a better financial outcome for the Philippine government.” “It would also provide concrete evidence of the government’s commitment to encourage new players, and foreign investment in Philippine public-private partnerships (PPP), without causing undue delay to NAIA’s modernization and the PPP program,” said ADB, the project’s transaction advisor. To date, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said NAIA’s rehabilitation had attracted eight potential bidders. The department initially set the deadline for bid submission on Dec. 27. It earlier said that it expects to announce the winning bidder by Q1 2024.<br/>