Marcos supports PPP to complete infra projects

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. early on stressed that infrastructure is the backbone of the economy as  highlighted during his first State of the Nation Address. He vowed to continue and even expand his predecessor’s “Build, Build, Build” Infrastructure program. With this direction, the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) focused its recommendations on the completion of ongoing and upcoming infrastructure programs.

Zeroing in on the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in supporting the government  achieve sustained and inclusive growth for the country, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief Arsenio M. Balisacan recognized the potential of PPPs for the development of the Philippine economy.

In today’s meeting at Malacañang, PSAC convenor and Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz agreed with Pres. Marcos to focus on providing solutions to address concerns primarily on three (3) key areas namely Infrastructure, Water and Energy in order to achieve substantial wins in the first 100 days of the Marcos administration.

For Infrastructure, PSAC recommended encouraging investor confidence through revisions to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Build-Operate-Transfer Law and strengthening the PPP Governing Board. For Water, the Council recommended the creation of a new Department and Regulatory Commission and implement a vertical industry structure. For Energy, expand the coverage and full implementation of Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop and support the efforts of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

“I am encouraged by the focused and aligned collaboration taking place among the various participants in these meetings with the President. We are all keenly aware and in agreement of the issues that demand attention, and are equally determined to support the administration in finding the right solutions,” Aboitiz said.

Aboitiz introduced to PBBM the members of PSAC’s Infrastructure group which he heads — Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman and President Manuel V. Pangilinan, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon, San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, Atok-Big Wedge Co., Inc. President Eric Ramon O. Recto, Globe Capital Partners LLC Chairperson Joanne de Asis, and Robinsons Land Corporation President and CEO Frederick D. Go. Attending as subject matter expert is Aboitiz InfraCapital President and CEO Cosette V. Canilao.

Also present in the meeting are Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, NEDA Chief Arsenio M. Balisacan, PMS Secretary Maria Zenaida B. Angping, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Acting Deputy Administrator Financial Service Maria Rosan D. Perez, LWUA Officer-in-Charge Eileen L. Dela Vega, PPP Center of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director Jeffrey I. Manalo, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Engineer Patrick James B. Dizon and former Deputy Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas.

The Council will convene again with PBBM in the coming weeks to discuss the Tourism Sector’s road map and recommendations.