Subic toll expressway contract up for bidding

STATE-OWNED Bases Conversion and Development Authority is preparing the terms of reference for the bidding later this year of the long-term contract to operate the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway toll road.

Subic toll road spokesman Robert Gervacio said the BCDA was finalizing the terms of the operation and maintenance contract, which would likely cover a term of least 10 years.

The authority bid out the contract twice last year and failed in both auctions.

Gervacio said the agency negotiated the contract after two failed biddings as provided in the government procurement law. The negotiations resulted in the hiring of the joint venture of First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corp. as interim service provider to operate the toll road six months, renewable for another six months.

The entire 94-kilometer tollway is now open for commercial operations. The Subic-Clark segment opened in April, while the Clark-Tarlac section commenced last month.

Gervacio said the toll road now serves as the new economic backbone for Central Luzon and adjoining regions, creating wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.

With the opening of the entire road, motorists from Manila can now travel straight to Subic via the North Luzon Expressway and the Subic Freeport Expressway in Tipo.

Motorists can also exit at Subic toll road interchanges in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Mabalacat, Pampanga; and the municipalities of Concepcion, San Miguel and Tarlac City in Tarlac. By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos - Manila Standard Today