Ramon Ang-led San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is interested in operating the Philippines’ main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Ang confirmed on Thursday, December 17, that SMC submitted an unsolicited operations and maintenance (O&M) proposal for NAIA.

“Operate and maintain only,” said Ang.

Aside from SMC, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions (PAGSS) is also interested in the NAIA project, according to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal.

Monreal did not elaborate on what PAGSS’ unsolicited proposal contains.

PAGSS is part of the group operating and maintaining the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Not over for Megawide yet

Just last Tuesday, December 15, MIAA had revoked the original proponent status (OPS) issued to Megawide Construction Corporation and its Indian partner GMR Infrastructure Limited.

But Megawide is not yet totally out of the NAIA rehabilitation project, as it will still appeal the government’s decision.

At Thursday’s Senate hearing on the project, Monreal explained that the decision to revoke the OPS was based on the letter sent by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom).

In a November 19 letter, the NEDA ICC-CabCom found that Megawide’s equity position is “insufficient to finance the requirement for the proposed project.” Megawide submitted updated financial documents to MIAA a day later.

Monreal said on Thursday that the OPS revocation stays, until the MIAA Board reconsiders Megawide’s proposal when it files an appeal. – Rappler.com