The Zamboanga Port will continue its regular operations despite the cancellation and rebidding of the contract for the construction of a modern passenger terminal building (PTB), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said Tuesday, September 9.
PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte said the rebidding for the construction of the PTB may happen within 2025.
“The PPA will try to rebid this year. Rebidding will be posted the same as other projects for procurement,” Samonte said.
The original plans for the PTB were to construct a new and modern passenger terminal in Mindanao, equipped with air conditioning and other facilities to enhance the convenience of maritime passengers.
On Monday, September 8, the PPA officially announced the cancellation of its contract with MAC Builders, Inc. for the construction of the PTB due to prolonged delays since the project was awarded in 2021.
In a statement, PPA Assistant General Manager for Engineering James Gantalao said MAC Builders has been paid P82,861,701, or 18 percent, of the contract price for 56 percent physical completion of the project.
“Because of the contract termination, the contractor will no longer be able to collect the actual balance of their accomplishment worth P189,960,648.00,” Gantalao said.
While the sum paid so far to the contractor will not be returned to the PPA, he assured the public that the funds used in the project were not from taxes but from the PPA’s corporate funds, funded by its revenue as a government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC).
“The contractor lost money because they used up more funds than they received,” he said.
He said the contractor did not receive any mobilization or advance payment.
“This ensures 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 said. (PNA)
