01 Mar 2012
The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation began its first privatization process for 2012 on a high note as all the 11 prospective bidders eyeing the diesel-fired Power Barge (PB) Nos. 101, 102, 103 and 104 attended the pre-bid conference conducted Wednesday, 29 February, at the PSALM offices in Makati City.
PSALM President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. welcomed the 11 bidders - most of whom are major players in the electric power industry - as he expressed excitement over the positive reception, describing it as a "fitting start" to the resumption of PSALM's privatization program.
"The resumption of the privatization of the country's generation assets through PSALM marks a milestone in the Aquino administration," Ledesma said. "PSALM is steadfast in ensuring that every step of the bidding process will be conducted fairly and transparently to achieve the government's goal."
"The year ahead means a lot of new challenges and opportunities for all of us," he pointed out. "The challenge in this particular bid is not just in selling the assets but in providing solutions to the power supply situation that's now gripping the Mindanao region."
Ledesma said one of the conditions in the sale of the power barges is the transfer of the barges in Visayas to Mindanao to augment the power supply in the region.
During the pre-bid conference facilitated by PSALM Vice President for Asset Management Conrad S. Tolentino, the provisions of the bidding procedures were discussed and bidders' concerns were addressed. PSALM, Tolentino said, will issue supplemental bid bulletins when necessary to answer questions that may arise during the conduct of the due diligence for the four power barges.
The deadline for the bidders' comments is on 07 March, while the last day for the submission of documentary deliverables is on 21 March. Bidders planning to form a consortium must submit a formal request to PSALM on or before 14 March.
Tolentino stressed that each bidder is required to submit an offer for each of the three packages comprising the sale of the power barges. Package 1 combines PB Nos. 101 and 102, Package 2 includes PB 103, and Package 3 covers PB 104.
The deadline for the submission of bids for these packages is on Friday, 13 April 2012, at 12 noon.
Commissioned in 1981, PB Nos. 101 and 102 are currently stationed at Bo. Obrero in Iloilo City. PB Nos. 103 and 104, which began operation in 1985, are moored in Botongon, Estancia, Iloilo, and at the Holcim Compound, Ilang, Davao City, respectively.
Strategic Communications and Partnership Division |