The pipeline, which would be 50% owned by the Philippines' PNOC-Exploration Corp, has already attracted interest from Tractebel (Belgium), Petronas (Malaysia) and Advantica (UK).

According to De Dios, "some Dutch and Czech contractors" have made known their interest in the Batman I project. "Among these firms are Nacap, a Dutch contractor that built the Ilijan gas pipeline, and some members of Czech Gas Associations. They are willing to bid for the project," said the undersecretary.

The Batman I pipeline is due for completion by 2007.