HARBOUR Centre Port Terminal Inc., a closely held port operator that recently obtained eligibility to bid for a 25-year management concession for the Manila North Harbor, has questioned the suspension of the facility’s privatization process.

In a written inquiry to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the company disputed the legality of the suspension of the bidding, although it still has to see a copy of the suspension order.

A company executive said they were merely informed on Wednesday when they asked to purchase bidding documents. He added that they are thus forced to wait even as they are in the process of forming a joint venture with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to manage the port.

Harbour Centre, which will own 65 percent of the joint venture, said the suspension is unfair to the company since no timetable has been set on when the bidding process was to be restarted.

According to government privatization plans, the port agency should have issued the results of the eligibility check on July 17, enabling companies to purchase bidding documents the next day. The opening of bids is scheduled on October 17.

A PPA committee member for the North Harbor privatization gave an assurance that the Harbour joint venture will continue to retain their eligibility status. “There is nothing to worry about. The suspension order was issued to give PPA ample time to decide on certain issues related to the privatization and all parties will be notified accordingly.”

The PPA board is scheduled to meet Tuesday and is expected to discuss possible changes of bidding rules and the lifting of the suspension.

Based on PPA estimates, upgrading the North Harbor to world-class standards requires at least P10 billion for the port’s container terminal, the general cargo terminal and the passenger terminal complex.

HARBOUR Centre Port Terminal Inc., a closely held port operator that recently obtained eligibility to bid for a 25-year management concession for the Manila North Harbor, has questioned the suspension of the facility’s privatization process.

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