Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 18) — Tycoon Lucio Tan has partnered with a Chinese construction firm to emerge as the sole bidder eyeing to develop the Sangley Airport in Cavite.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla confirmed that the consortium of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and Tan's MacroAsia Corporation was the lone bidder for the $10-billion (about ₱500 billion) contract to upgrade the Sangley airport into an international gateway.

"We will decide the merits of the contract by December 27," Remulla told CNN Philippines in a text message.

CCCC and MacroAsia submitted their lone bid on Tuesday to the Provincial Government of Cavite. Upgrades to the Sangley Airport would be carried out through a joint venture with the local government.

Growing frustrated by flight delays in NAIA, President Rodrigo Duterte in June ordered Sangley Point to begin handling domestic flights by November this year. Tugade ordered round-the-clock construction in Sangley to meet the five-month target.

In a disclosure, MacroAsia said CCCC is focused on transport infrastructure, particularly airport and reclamation projects. Meanwhile, MacroAsia is an affiliate of flag carrier Philippine Airlines.

"With MacroAsia’s local expertise in the Philippine Aviation Industry and CCCC’s global experience in international airport development and reclamation, the two will be the best JV partner for the Provincial Government of Cavite," the listed firm said on Wednesday morning.

Sangley is a 15-minute ferry ride from the CCP Bay Terminal in Manila. The Department of Transportation earlier said the airport is ready to take in propeller-type cargo planes.

The facility has one hangar and a passenger terminal building, although the planned expansion will upgrade the area into an international gateway. The deal also involves land reclamation to expand the small airport.

The port is also known as the Danilo Atienza Air Base in Cavite City, which is now eyed as an altenative to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila.