by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Lotte Duty Free Guam believes DFS' latest complaints are just another attempt to stall the procurement of the airport retail concessionaire contract. DFS Guam is adamant that Lotte modified its proposal for the airport retail concession after the proposal deadline.

DFS contends Lotte's original minimum annual rent guarantee went from $13 million to $15.4 million - enough to top DFS' proposal by 1%. Lotte denies the assertions. Attorney Rawlen Mantanonan says Lotte submitted one timely proposal and there was no new or altered proposal.

DFS doesn't believe the contract between the airport and Lotte is legally valid. Lotte meanwhile is moving forward to the July 21 official handover date.

DFS currently has a lawsuit pending in the Superior Court of Guam, as they are asking the court to halt the concessionaire contract and order a new request for proposal as well as prohibit Lotte from applying. Lotte has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.