BIDDING for the country’s newest bulk terminal is expected to commence by the second quarter of next year, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
PPA assistant general manager Raul Santos said the agency is now working on the terms of reference for bidding on the facility, to be located between the Manila South Harbor and the Manila International Container Terminal.
The project requires reclamation work and construction of a bulk-handling facility, which is sorely lacking in the port area.
At the same time, a PPA committee is now reviewing existing policies on commercial ports to establish clear rules on qualification requirements of applicants as well as procedures for filing of application, criteria for evaluation and approval, development/operational limitations and extent of restrictions on present contracts with Manila-based terminal operators.
“The committee’s report, which is expected to be completed before the end of the year, will serve as a takeoff point for future development efforts,” Santos said.
