Expect some sizeable contract news here soon.... PNA, the Philippines (Government) News Agency, has reported overnight in Manila that Austal is preferred to secure a PHP 30 billion (roughly AU$845 million) offshore patrol vessel contract. They mention no other contender.
Note also, Duterte’s term ends in May next year.
...Bets now on as to whether the reason “the process is taking a bit long” is because Subic Bay is tangled up in the negotiations...
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162121Gov’t allots P62-B for more 'choppers, offshore vessels
MANILADec 7, 2021 8:43pm– The government has allocated a total of PHP62 billion for the acquisition 32 more Polish-made S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters for the Air Force and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy."Newly approved funding for capital assets acquisition: 32 units 'Black Hawk' helicopters- PHP32 billion and six units of OPV -PHP30 billion," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told the media on Tuesday.
When asked where the country intends to acquire the additional helicopters and OPVs, Lorenzana replied: "OPV with Austal (the Australian defense manufacturer and shipbuilder) and 'Black Hawk' from PZL Mielec, Poland."
He, however, clarified that there is still no contract yet issued for these assets and “still under negotiation.”
(snip)
...Earlier, Lorenzana said Austal, which has a shipyard in Balamban Cebu, remains at the forefront in the ongoing procurement for OPVs for the Navy.
"Ang nasaforefrontng(At the forefront of the) procurement is the Australian (shipbuilder) Austal which is in (Balamban), Cebu.Meron silangbranchna gumagawa din ng barko so kung matuloy yun maganda rin yan sa ekonomiya dahil maraming makikinabang na mga Pilipino(They have a branch that makes ships so if it pushes through, it will be good for the economy and the Filipinos will benefit from it), it will generate employment," he said.
He also expressed hope that they can sign the contract before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term. The OPV project is expected to replace the World War II surface assets decommissioned by the Navy.
"I hope we can sign the contract before the end of the President's tenure.Medyo matagal yung proseso(The process is taking a bit long)," Lorenzana said.
After the OPVs, another project for the PN is the procurement for two modern corvettes, which is the smallest surface combatant capable of engaging submarines and other vessels.(PNA)
(20min delay)