First PHL subway, vehicle inspection system projects endorsed for President’s approval

TAGAYTAY CITY  — The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center will endorse two infrastructure projects, including the Php 370-billion Mass Transit System Loop (MTSL), for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

In a press briefing after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) PPP Experts Advisory Council meeting here, PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao said it will also support the approval of the Php 19.3-billion Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS).

“There’s going to be a NEDA Board (meeting)on March 24 and two PPP projects would be up for approval or discussions,” she said.

President Benigno S. Aquino III chairs the NEDA Board.

For the planned MTSL project, Canilao said the PPP Center prefers the route using 26th Street, instead of the 32nd Street inside the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on cost consideration.

The MTSL project, the first subway in the country, will connect the fast-developing central business districts of Metro Manila, namely Bonifacio Global City, Makati Central Business District and the Mall of Asia area in Pasay City.

It aims to reduce peak-hour traffic by providing a higher-capacity mass transit system.

On the other hand, the MVIS project will involve setting up Motor Vehicle Inspections Centers (MVIC) to test various categories of heavy duty, light duty and two wheeler vehicles across the Philippines.

The private partner will develop, operate and maintain a network of MVICs that will perform inspections for all vehicles in the country.