The clearance given by the PCC is one of the critical government approvals necessary for the project's successful development,” said Leonides J.M. Virata, authorized representative of SPIA Development Consortium, in a statement.
The consortium is led by Cavitex Holdings Inc., owned by the Virata family, and Yuchengco’s House of Investments.
“SPIA remains committed to delivering this project with international standards and recommended practices to be safely operated in accordance with government regulation,” he added.
NAIA alternative
The project in Cavite province is designed to provide an alternative to the overcrowded Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In September, San Miguel Corp., backing the private consortium, took over NAIA operations under a P170-billion modernization and expansion program.
PCC finds no anticompetitive issues
The PCC found that the public-private partnership (PPP) for SPIA, structured through a joint venture, would not significantly reduce or restrict competition in the market. The project aims to relieve congestion at NAIA.
The Commission’s decision focused on competition in the construction services sector, the relationship between the parties as major players, and the possibility of overlapping business interests.
Other contractors ensure level playing field
The PCC determined that the consortium’s members do not have overlapping businesses, and the market remains competitive with the presence of multiple contractors. It also noted that even if the companies sought to limit supplier options, they lack sufficient market power to do so. Competitors like Megawide Construction Corp. and Makati Development Corp. help maintain fair competition.
