Panay-Guimaras bridge project seen facing delays

TWENTY-TWO years after its construction was proposed, the 32.47-kilometer Panay-Guimaras-Negros (PGN) Island Bridge project that will connect the major islands in Region 6 appears headed for further delay, if not cancellation, according to several groups.

Various quarters, including South Korean joint venture Sambo Engineering, have forwarded objections against the results of the shortlisting and bid evaluation criteria for the detailed engineering design of the project.

The PGN project will link Panay-Guimaras and Negros Islands through the construction of two-sea-crossing bridges spanning a total 32.47 kilometers. It was initially proposed in 1999.

The groups also claim that the feared delay was raised in the ongoing prequalification bidding process for the $48 million consulting service contract on the Detailed Engineering Design and Tender Assistance of the PGN.

Suspected bias in the bidding was raised on the reported impending decision of the Bids and Awards Committee for Consulting Services of the Department of Public Works and Highways to recommend only one of participating South Korean firms to bid for the contract.

According to several groups, letters were sent to Antonio V. Molano Jr., chair of the DPWH.

BAC for Consulting Service, the Sambo JV pointed out a number of concerns on the body’s criteria and the terms of reference for the competitive bidding participants.

Sambo JV and Yooshin JV, both from South Korea, were the only two bidders included in the shortlist of competitors although the governments of the Philippines and South Korea have agreed to allow five firms to participate in the bidding.

However, with Sambo JV contemplating on withdrawing from the bidding, Yooshin JV is expected to be left alone to pursue the contract.

Such a situation could provide basis for a declaration of failure of bidding as provided under Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Law.