More investors eyeing Mactan int’l airport site

FOUR more investors expressed interest in the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) property after SM magnate Henry Sy proposed to acquire the 300-hectare lot.

Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district said businessman Manny Pangilinan of PLDT, Filinvest, Ayala, and Gokongwei reiterated their interest in the airport property.

“If they are really interested, they will have to challenge the proposal of Henry Sy. But in the meantime, studies will be conducted to determine the viability of an airport transfer,” he said.

Osmeña said a private group is doing a study to determine how much it would cost to operate the MCIA at its current location compared to building a new airport in Cordova town.

“The first part of the study will demonstrate that it will cost more money to keep the airport there,” he said.

Osmeña said an airport transfer will address questions on the airport lot’s ownership.

He said ownership of 70 percent of the airport property is now in question since most of the portions are either untitled or being claimed by private owners.

He said the construction of the airport administrative building was suspended due to a lot claim by a private individual.

Osmeña said the MCIAA could have the untitled properties titled under its name.

If it sells the airport lot, even the purchase of lots claimed by private individuals won’t be difficult for the airport buyer.

“The privately titled lots do not have right of way.  If SM buys the airport lot, the private owners cannot enter, then we will have a stronger bargaining position,” the congressman said.

Osmeña said relocating the airport to Cordova town is also easy.

Since the new airport will be situated in a reclaimed area, it was easy for government to secure a title. Despite criticism, the congressman said he is determined to see it through.

He said the proposed airport transfer would take 10 years to complete.

“In the meantime, studies will be conducted.  I cannot tell you who is doing the study but I’ve already negotiated that,” he said.

Sy wrote the MCIA general manager on Nov. 3, 2011, to express his interest in acquiring the airport lot.

The MCIA board has referred Sy’s letter to their infrastructure committee headed by engineer Ricky Dakay for study. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac