DOTr rejects offers for Clark Airport

By: Miguel R. Camus | 01:12 AM May 08, 2017

The Duterte administration will pursue by itself the development of Clark International Airport in Pampanga, effectively shutting out tycoons and airport operators that have come forward with multibillion dollar modernization offers.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade revealed to reporters last week the new development policy for Clark Airport, the nearest alternative to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), which was suffering from growing congestion and limited options for expansion.

Tugade said he preferred that the government first develop Clark Airport, rather than risk delays in the event an auction involving private sector players would lead to litigation—a possible outcome given past projects under various administrations.

The Duterte administration will pursue by itself the development of Clark International Airport in Pampanga, effectively shutting out tycoons and airport operators that have come forward with multibillion dollar modernization offers.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade revealed to reporters last week the new development policy for Clark Airport, the nearest alternative to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), which was suffering from growing congestion and limited options for expansion.

Tugade said he preferred that the government first develop Clark Airport, rather than risk delays in the event an auction involving private sector players would lead to litigation—a possible outcome given past projects under various administrations.

The development plan, in cooperation with France’s Aeroport De Paris, called for the initial doubling of Clark’s capacity to 8 million passengers per year. Clark Airport handles only about a quarter of its present four-million passenger capacity.

Meanwhile, Tugade told reporters the DOTr was still open to offers for a “new Manila” international airport.

The DOTr said it was evaluating San Miguel Corp.’s P700- billion “aerotropolis” spanning roughly 2,500 hectares of land in Bulakan, Bulacan, north of Metro Manila.

Separately, the Solar Group and Belle Corp. proposed a P1.3-trillion reclamation project in offshore Sangley Point, Cavite. About 2,500 hectares would then be redeveloped into a new airport, seaport and industrial estate.

“In due time, if it is needed and the situation and the financials support it, then we are ready to listen to offers on the New Manila [airport],” Tugade said, adding that “priority” projects were Clark and the rehabilitation of Naia.

Source: http://business.inquirer.net/229038/dotr-rejects-offers-clark-airport