Gov't trims PPP pipeline projects

Two major national projects—the rehabilitation, operations, and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT-3) and a joint energy project—have been removed from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center's project pipeline, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Documents shared by the PPP Center with reporters revealed the removal of the %u20B198.5 billion MRT-3 project and the %u20B183.19 billion joint venture for the redevelopment of Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) and Department of Energy (DOE) properties in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

The reasons for these removals, though not specifically disclosed, include: the implementing agency (IA) rejecting unsolicited proposals after evaluation; proponents failing to negotiate their unsolicited proposals; or changes in the projects' implementation modes.

The updated list showed the PPP Center currently has 176 projects in its pipeline, totaling an estimated %u20B12.47 trillion. Two months ago, the pipeline contained 172 projects with a total estimated cost of %u20B12.55 trillion. These changes reflect project additions and removals.

In addition to the MRT-3 and PNOC-DOE projects, five other national projects were removed: the Electronic Invoicing and Tax Engine Systems Project (%u20B19.6 billion), the Marinduque Decarbonization Project (%u20B14.24 billion), the Rizal Park Western Section Development Project (%u20B11.43 billion), the Power Generation and Distribution in San Vicente Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone (%u20B11.3 billion), and the Comprehensive Digital Housing Platform Project (%u20B120 million).

Two local projects were also removed: the High-Capacity Bus System in Iloilo City (%u20B12.48 billion) and the Zamboanga City Integrated Solid Waste Management System (cost yet to be determined).

Meanwhile, four national projects and 11 local projects were added to the updated list. Projects were added based on IA-endorsed unsolicited proposals, IA-submitted PPP project lists, and updates from the PPP Center's engagement with agencies.

The new national projects with cost estimates include the Francisco Bangoy International Airport Project (%u20B112.9 billion), the Traveler Information and Data Security System (%u20B11.42 billion), and the Philippines Digital National Identity System (%u20B11.28 billion).

The new local projects with cost estimates are the Baguio-Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program (%u20B14.35 billion), the Baguio Central Terminal and Cultural Center (%u20B12.7 billion), the Improvement and Management of the Water Supply and Sanitation Services of the Freeport Area of Bataan (%u20B11.3 billion), the Pasig Common Underground Network Project (%u20B1980 million), the Construction of New City Public Market with Multi-level Parking (%u20B120 million), and the Trading Post/Bagsakan Center for wholesale and retail of agricultural products (%u20B13 million).

Lastly, the New Bohol Airport (%u20B14.53 billion) and Pampanga Dialysis Centers (%u20B1730 million) projects were removed from the pipeline because they have been awarded and are now listed as projects under implementation.