IN the Dec. 23, 2013 issue of SunStar Cebu, the “former political has-been” described the design of the new terminal building of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) as “ugly and looks like a poultry farm.” He added: “I think they should transfer that to Bantayan because it is where the poultry products are abundant,” noting that more Cebuanos should have been given a say on the design.
That building is finished and will start operation this July. It has been described as “world-class.” No less than President Duterte graced the inauguration last Thursday and he described the MCIA as the “best airport” in the country today. “I am extra proud to be a citizen of this country and most proud to be a worker of government that we produced something good and beautiful for the people,” he said.
With the praises, I think the one who said that it looks like a poultry farm should swallow his words. He underestimated the capability of the consortium that undertook the multi-billion-peso project. That statement was the highest form of arrogance.
But do you know why he uttered those words and underestimated the track record and financial capability of the GMR-Megawide consortium? Because he was supporting the “cause” of his brother, former senator Serge Osmeña, who used his power and exhausted legal means to try to block the project.
GMR is an India-based company whose expertise is to manage international airports such as the ones in New Delhi and Hyderabad. Megawide is a Philippines-based company engaged in construction and real estate development.
Throwback: In 2012, the MCIA was opened for bidding. On April 3, 2014, the Pre-qualification Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) issued a resolution recommending the GMR-Megawide Consortium as the winning bidder. Then the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) issued a Notice of Award to the GMR-Megawide consortium.
On the same day, Serge sought injunction from the Supreme Court. On April 7, 2014, he filed a supplemental petition reiterating his prayer for injunctive relief and for the Supreme Court to further restrain the implementation of the Notice of Award and render judgment declaring the same as null and void.
Serge claimed the bidding was anomalous. He also cited “conflict of interest” because another company that participated in the bidding had an officer who was also an official of GMR-Megawide.
A similar petition was earlier filed by the second bidder, Changi and Filinvest consortium, which was reportedly favored by the then senator. But the petition was dismissed for lack of merit. Osmeña also questioned the track record of GMR and its financial capability. He cited the supposed mismanagement of the New Delhi airport, which is run by GMR.
Osmeña delivered privilege speeches and called for a Senate inquiry on the deal. But GMR-Megawide submitted and complied with the post-award requirements, including the payment of the P14.4 billion bid amount to MCIAA. On Nov. 1, 2014, the DOTr turned over to the GMR-Megawide consortium the maintenance of the MCIA. Then the SC dismissed Osmeña’s petition for lack of merit.