Uy-led ComClark aviation project faces uncertainty as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is poised to reject its unsolicited project proposal, according to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center official.
"DOTr will soon be sending to the proponent the rejection letter, which will contain the grounds for rejection," Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey I. Manalo said during the PPP Center year-end press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
However, Manalo also said that ComClark Network and Technology Corp. could resubmit its unsolicited proposal if it addresses the DOTr's concerns and meets the necessary requirements for reconsideration.
The PPP Center estimates the project cost at around $600 million (approximately ₱29.82 billion). The project, implemented under a contractual arrangement, includes designing, building, financing, and operating the infrastructure.
In October, ComClark CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy stated that the company's unsolicited proposal aims to manage the country's air navigation, traffic, and control systems.
According to Manalo, the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have yet to issue a final decision. The project is undergoing a detailed evaluation expected to conclude next year.
Manalo clarified that the ComClark project remains active despite delays, emphasizing its importance to the country's infrastructure.
"For the ComClark project, it hasn't been officially delisted yet because we haven’t received the CAAP board resolution on the project," he said.
“If we apply that to the PPP Code, Nov. 7 should have marked the end of the detailed evaluation to decide whether the proposal would be accepted or rejected by the IA [implementing agency]. The update is that there has been no action from the DOTr," he added.
The project is in its second 90-day evaluation period. Manalo noted that if no decision is reached by February 5th, the proposal will automatically move to the negotiation stage.