SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) appears set to bid out the P54.5-billion Manila Bay reclamation project, despite a joint venture deal between the Pasay City government and SM Land Inc.
In a statement, the PRA said the Pasay City government and SM Land have not yet given the needed validating opinion for the project from either the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The PRA said that “an opinion from either of the two agencies is not a regular requirement but was required otherwise due to the numerous issues raised by other challengers on the bidding process conducted by Pasay City.”
(READ: Pasay reclamation: Clash of the property giants)
The PRA also said that while it did get a project proposal from the City of Pasay to reclaim 300 hectares of land, the PRA has yet to begin its approval process, choosing to be diligent by requiring Pasay City to secure the validating opinion.
Their statement notes that if the DOJ or the DILG issue an opinion in favor of Pasay City, “only then shall the process commence.”
PRA said the proposal sent by the Pasay City government and SM land would have to go through a 5-stage approval process. The process involves a technical evaluation by the PRA, as well as approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board. The NEDA board is chaired by President Benigno Aquino III.
Due to Executive Order No. 146 issued by President Aquino, all reclamation projects, including the 300 hectare project of Pasay City, have to undego public bidding. After those two stages, the PRA noted that “the proposal will have to undergo a competitive bidding process to be undertaken by the PRA.” The awarding of reclamation projects is dependent on the national government through the President.
Atty. Severo Madrona Jr., chief legal officer and vice chairman of the public-private partnership selection committee (PPP-SC) of the Pasay City Government, said Pasay City’s government would “comply with the requirements imposed by PRA.”
The project’s origins
SM Land offered to finance the reclamation and restoration of 300 hectares of foreshore and onshore areas of Manila Bay’s west side within Pasay City’s jurisdiction. The offer included the acquisition of permits and clearances from government agencies and any additional expenses for maintain compliance with governmental and legal requirements.
Development would take place through the joint venture agreement with the Pasay City government, with 153 hectares – 51% of the reclaimed land – allocated to the Pasay City government or the PRA. SM Land committed to the project’s completion within 7 years from the issuance of the notice to proceed by the Pasay City government.
The Pasay City Council approved the joint venture between Pasay City’s government and SM land for the P54.5-billion reclamation project on December 23, though Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto signed the joint venture agreement with SM Land on November 15.
The joint venture was questioned by companies like Ayala Land Inc. and S&P Construction and Technology Corporation, which cited irregularities in the Pasay government’s bidding process. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.