The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) cancelled the contract for the construction of the Zamboanga Port Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) in Zamboanga City amid complaints of prolonged delays and design misalignment.

PPA officials have been sending letters to the contractor of the project to expedite the construction amid concerns raised by passengers and other netizens over delays in the completion of the project.

On Monday, Sept. 8, PPA Assistant General Manager for Engineering (AGME) James Gantalao, announced the termination of the contract based on the decision of the agency’s leadership amid calls for transparency and updates in Zamboanga port project through social media posts and inquiries.

“Unfortunately, we had to terminate the contract because what we envisioned back in 2021 when the project was started no longer met current operational requirements,” said Gantalao.

The P485 million project was supposed to be completed in February 2023 but until now, the project remains under construction.

The delay was reportedly caused by several factors relating to Covid-19 pandemic that include substantial increases in the prices of construction materials and difficulties in mobilizing the required manpower.

Despite these challenges, the contractor proceeded with its implementation but at a very slow pace. Since then, the PPA has repeatedly issued formal notices and warning letters to the contractor to expedite the work.

Gantalao said inclement weather, location-specific challenges, and evolving design considerations made it necessary to halt the project under the existing arrangement especially since Zamboanga is one of the busiest and most strategic gateways in Mindanao.

Busy gateway

The Zamboanga Port is a major hub for passenger and cargo traffic and has been serving the Zamboanga Peninsula, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, as well as neighboring Southeast Asian countries.

The port facilitates the movement of both domestic travelers and international cargo, including sardines, marine products, coconut, rubber, and aquaculture goods, making its modernization a critical priority for regional trade and economic growth.

The Passenger Terminal Building was originally designed to accommodate 3,500 passengers at any given time, making it one of the largest and most modern terminal buildings in Mindanao.

“The original goal since 2021 has always been to give passengers a terminal experience with spacious areas while waiting for their voyages, air-conditioned, comfortable seating and proper facilities,” said Gantalao.

Minimal damage

Since the construction of the project, Gantalao said the contractor only collected 18 percent of the total contract price.

He also clarified that the PPA did not pay neither down payment for the project nor mobilization payments.

"As a matter of policy, the PPA does not pay any down payment and has not released any advance payments to the contractor,” said Gantalao.

“ This ensures the public that sufficient funds will remain available to complete the project as planned, to give the riding public the best kind of services they deserve", he added.