MANILA - The government failed anew to bid its Fujimi property in Tokyo, Japan due to "technical problems," an official said.

Finance Undersecretary Estela Sales did not elaborate on the so-called problems encountered by the government's bids and awards committee, but she said that it had nothing to do with the petitions filed before the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to stop the bidding.

A group led by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. had asked the SC to stop the sale of the Fujimi property, saying that it has significant cultural and historic value. Cultural workers and Filipino and Japanese artists have also expressed their opposition towards the planned sale.

But unless the High Court bars the government from proceeding with the sale, Sales said they would continue to make the necessary arrangements for the bidding process.

The 4,361-square meter lot was supposed to be bid out on Thursday, December 3. Three Japanese real estate groups have submitted pre-qualification documents for the lease and development contract of the Fujimi property, which the government is hoping to sell for P3 billion.

The government earlier said through newspaper advertisements that this would take place on November 16, but Sales said it did not push through since they wanted to attract more bidders.