Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong reversed an earlier ruling that required public bidding for the 10.43 million pound (16.3 million dollar) project.

In a legal opinion obtained by reporters, Datumanong said a new law on government procurement passed in January effectively allowed for negotiated contracts on a government to government basis.

Manila's department of defense signed a memorandum of understandingwith its British counterpart for British firm QinetiQ Ltd. to upgrade three navy patrol vessels.

SPACE.WIRE