MANILA, Philippines - The Gokongwei group has submitted its letter to the Department of Transportation and Communications appealing a ban against airline operators from bidding for the Mactan-Cebu international airport project.

JG Summit senior vice president BJ Sebastian tells ANC the group also sent a copy of the appeal to President Aquino.

JG Summit is the parent of budget carrier Cebu Pacific.

Its president Lance Gokongwei yesterday said airline operators can successfully run airports without a conflict of interest which the government is using as an argument against them.

Businessman Ramon Ang, president of Philippine Ailrines, yesterday said he will also question the DOTC guideline.

Pre-bidding for a new Mactan airport, a P17 billion PPP project is slated for January 28.

Government hopes to award the contract in September. -ANC