FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—At least 34 companies have signified their intention to participate in the bidding for the long-awaited closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) complex, according to the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa).
The bidding process for the CCTV system that will cover the entire perimeter of the Naia complex is scheduled to open on Aug. 15 after the terms of reference for the award of the contact have been finalized, said Miaa general manager Jose Angel Honrado.
A prebid meeting with the bidders has been scheduled for July 16. “There will be a lot of questions from the bidders I’m sure and we have to answer all of them,” Honrado said.
He said 34 companies had already indicated their interest in participating in the bidding for the wireless CCTV project that at the cost of P480 million is the “biggest item” the agency will bid out this year.
‘Alleged irregularities’
The CCTV project was marred with controversy late last year after two airport officials resigned over the alleged irregularities in the bidding process.
The project was delayed after Honrado himself suspended the bidding saying he had received reports that the terms of bidding had been leaked.
Honrado said the Miaa was supposed to bid out the wireless CCTV project early this year but decided not to push through with it after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) issued a notice opposing the MIAA’s plan to go wireless.
“We have to abide by what Caap was telling us. We will be responsible for any safety violation if we are not going to listen to Caap,” he said.
Honrado said since the system to be bid out now will be all-wired and cheaper than the wireless, the Miaa plans to include additional features such as facial and plate number recognition.
The project covers the entire 400-hectare Naia complex except Terminal 3 which is undergoing rehabilitation.
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