en.Wedoany.com Reported - The release of tender documents for the project to transform the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) in the Philippines into a cargo hub has been postponed again, from June 17, 2026, to June 30.

According to a June 17 tender notice issued by the Philippines' Public-Private Partnership Center, the adjustment was based on a directive from the Chairman of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The notice stated that the rescheduling "ensures that the technical specifications, financial parameters, and contractual framework are sufficiently refined and comprehensive."

The initial release date for the document was May 18, which was subsequently postponed to June 17. The notice also stated: "The extension safeguards the integrity of the 'comparative challenge' process and maintains equal standing for all participants. Since the documents have not been released, no party has been prejudiced."

With the postponement of the release of the Challenge Instructions, Project Information Memorandum, and other tender documents, all other procurement milestones dependent on the release date will be adjusted accordingly. A complete updated baseline schedule will be provided in the Challenge Instructions.

Potential bidders for the project will challenge an unsolicited proposal submitted by Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments LLC on March 26, 2025. Cerberus Asia Pacific is affiliated with U.S. private equity firm Cerberus Global Investment LLC, which, together with Agila NY Naval Inc./Agila South Inc., acquired in 2022 the 300-hectare land within the Subic Bay Freeport previously occupied by former South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines, Inc.

Malacañang previously stated that Cerberus Global plans to make more investments in the Philippines, including transforming SBIA into a cargo and logistics hub. After SBMA successfully completed detailed evaluations and negotiations with Cerberus Asia, the latter obtained the status of original proponent for the project, thus initiating the comparative challenge.

In an invitation letter dated April 27, SBMA stated that the project will adopt an "Operate-Rehabilitate-Add-Transfer" model under Republic Act No. 11966 (the Philippine Public-Private Partnership Code) and its implementing rules. The SBIA project includes upgrading, expansion, operation, and maintenance, with a concession period of 25 years, subject to extension.

The project primarily aims to establish an efficient and modern cargo transport system for Luzon by transforming SBIA into a modern, high-efficiency, high-capacity cargo hub that meets international standards and enhances cargo quality.

The comparative challenge will follow a single-stage bidding process, where each challenger must submit a comparative proposal comprising qualification documents, a technical proposal, and a financial proposal. Challengers meeting all qualification requirements will be allowed to participate in the opening of technical proposals; those whose technical proposals are deemed qualified can participate in the opening of financial proposals. The challenger whose submitted financial proposal meets the highest base concession fee in the first year of the contract will be declared the challenger with the most advantageous comparative proposal.

The comparative challenge will proceed under a "matching right" mechanism, where the original proponent will have the right to match or better the financial proposal of the most advantageous comparative proposal. If the SBMA Pre-qualification/Qualification, Bidding, and Evaluation Committee deems the original proponent's financial proposal more favorable or advantageous to the government, or if there are no challengers, the PPP contract will be awarded to the original proponent.

Since its inception, SBIA has only handled charter and military flights, but SBMA previously stated that the facility is ready to accommodate commercial flights and can also serve as a logistics hub and an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul base. During the COVID-19 pandemic, SBIA also handled 82 repatriation flights for Philippine Airlines, transporting over 20,000 passengers from July 2021 to February 2022.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com