Two firms so far in on SCTEX price challenge

At least two firms have bought bid documents for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) price challenge, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Tuesday. 

 

BCDA financial services group vice president Nena Radoc said San Miguel Corp. and an undisclosed firm "expressed interest and bought bid documents" for the long-term maintenance, operations and management of the 94-kilometer expressway.

 

The undisclosed group is represented by the law firm of Aguirre Abaño Pamfilo Paras Pineda and Agustin.

 

"There are a few players here in terms of toll way operation and management, so take your guess," Radoc told reporters after the pre-selection conference on Tuesday.

 

She said interested parties may buy bid documents until Jan. 29 and have until Jan. 30 to submit eligibility documents and technical and financial proposals.

 

"We're hoping that there will still be other proponents," Radoc said.

 

The entire process is expected to be completed in March, said Radoc, also the chairperson of the BCDA Price Challenge Selection Committee.

 

She said BCDA has two weeks to process the post qualification of bids, "barring unforeseen circumstances."

 

A consultative meeting will be held on Jan. 23 to give possible proponents an opportunity to meet with BCDA regarding their eligibility documents.

 

"The purpose is to ensure that no proponent will be disqualified based only on technical reasons like incomplete or lack of documents," Radoc said.

 

Radoc also noted Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) – the current holder of a business and operating agreement with the BCDA over SCTEX – and San Miguel Corp. have raised concerns regarding the legal basis of the price challenge.

 

"MNTC has recognized the price challenge as a part of this process that we have agreed with them and as directed by the Office of the President," Radoc said.

 

BCDA is bidding out the rights, interest and obligations in managing, operating and maintaining SCTEX under a 28-year business and operating agreement until 2043.

 

The price challenge involves besting MNTC's commercial offer.

 

MNTC has the right to match the highest bid for the project.

 

BCDA said the minimum acceptable upfront cash payment should be higher than P3.5 billion.

 

SCTEX is a four-lane, 93.77-kilometer expressway that traverses Bataan, Pampanga, and Tarlac and is directly linked to the North Luzon Expressway. – VS, GMA News