The consortium formed by the Gokongwei and Gotianun families has been granted original proponent status (OPS) by the national government for the operation and maintenance of three regional airports, Philstar Biz reported. The revised proposal now carries a total project cost of P21.61 billion, higher than earlier estimates.
The airports covered under the unsolicited proposal are the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental, and the Iloilo International Airport. Under the OPS, the consortium will have the right to match any competing bids during the Swiss challenge process.
The deal reflects the government's push to tap private capital for infrastructure development under the Public-Private Partnership program. The Gokongwei-Gotianun group, through its respective conglomerates JG Summit and Filinvest, is expected to bring significant operational expertise to the regional gateways.