Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 27) — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said it is pursuing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements to fast-track transport infrastructure projects facing financial challenges.
During the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AMCHAM) General Membership meeting, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said recent amendments made in the implementing rules and regulations of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) law provide a “balanced sharing between the government and private sector.”
The DOTr chief explained that the PPP scheme allows reasonable rates of return on investments, incentives, support, and undertakings for the private sector.
“We are therefore actively pursuing the PPP scheme to overcome financial challenges for these vital transport projects,” he added.
Among the projects that Bautista cited are the EDSA Busway, a network of seaports, 10 provincial airports, and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit.
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He also cited San Miguel Corporation as a private partner in constructing the New Manila Airport in Bulacan and MRT-7, which he said are being constructed “at a rapid pace.”
The DOTr chief also called on the AMCHAM to participate in the department’s transport projects to improve bilateral ties between the Philippines and United States. He said this could increase Filipinos’ efficiency and productivity by “providing safe, affordable, convenient and accessible transport.”
