Manila North Tollways Corp. said it will submit an unsolicited proposal to build a P50-billion elevated expressway along Circumferential Road 5, connecting Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City to the southern part of Metro Manila.
MNTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said the company proposed to build more than 8.2 kilometers of elevated expressway from Commonwealth Ave. to Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway or Cavitex.
“We will re-submit it to DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highwayts] maybe in the second quarter. We need to rework the technical aspect,” he said.
The company initially submitted the proposed elevated expressway to the Toll Regulatory Board, but the agency said the project should be submitted to DPWH.
Franco said the company needed to complete first the P8.6-billion NLEx-C5 Link project before undertaking a new elevated expressway along C5 under an unsolicited mode.
The 7.85-kilometer NLEx-C5 Link will start from the end of Segment 8.1 of North Luzon Expressway at Mindanao Avenue and end at Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
The C5 Link aims to decongest Metro Manila as it would provide alternative access to mainline North Luzon Expressway further east of Metro Manila, bypassing Edsa and Balintawak toll plaza.
Franco said for public private partnership projects, his company was also interested in the P14.2-billion Central Luzon Link Expressway Phase 2 and Plaridel Bypass Toll Road Project.
CLLEx Phase 2 is an extension of CLLEX Phase I and will connect Cabanatuan City to San Jose City, also in Nueva Ecija. Phase 1 will be constructed by the government with funding from the government of Japan.
The Plaridel Bypass Toll Road is a 23.3-kilometer road starting at the Balagtas interchange in NLEx up to San Rafael, Bulacan.
The road project traverses five towns of Bulacan, including Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos and San Rafael. It involves the conversion of the existing road into a toll road.
http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/231575
Monday, March 13, 2017
Friday, March 10, 2017
NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 completed by year-end — MNTC By Louella Desiderio (The Philippine Star)
Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) expects to complete the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 by the end of the year.
“Previous target (for completion) was middle of 2017, but we are moving that to end of the year,” MNTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco told reporters yesterday.
He said the completion, however, would be subject to the government’s delivery of right of way for Segment 10 or the second and last component of the NLEX Harbor Link.
Segment 10, which is being built at a total cost of P10.5 billion, is an elevated roadway to link Segment 9 at the MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City to C-3 Road in Caloocan City.
Segment 9, which is the first component of the NLEX Harbor Link, connects NLEX from the Smart Connect Interchange to MacArthur Highway.
The government has yet to deliver 35 percent of right of the way for Segment 10.
Franco said MNTC expects the remaining right of way to be given by the second quarter of the year.
“Our scheme here is we construct as the land is delivered. So basically, two areas are still missing. About 700 meters in Valenzuela and one kilometer in Caloocan,” he said.
Should MNTC complete the construction of the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 within the last quarter of this year, he said the roadway would be operational by January of next year.
After the completion of Segment 10, MNTC plans to extend it until R10 in Tondo.
The NLEX Harbor Link is expected to provide benefits in terms of promoting commerce between the Harbor area and Central and North Luzon as well as in helping ease congestion in Metro Manila through improved movement of cargo.
It will likewise serve as the take-off point for the NLEX — South Luzon Expressway connector road, another project of MNTC.
MNTC which operates the NLEx and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, is a unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).
Saturday, March 4, 2017
DOTr: LRT-MRT common station still a go
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is committed to pursue the establishment of a common station that would connect the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and MRT-7 from North Ave. in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan province.
The project seeks to provide comfort to passengers by ensuring a seamless transfer among the major rail line systems.
DOTr public information officer Hope Libiran said the department is on track with its timeline to start the construction of the LRT-MRT common station by December and its completion in April 2019.
“It (LRT-MRT common station) is still a go,” she said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The common station will be located between SM North and Trinoma malls and has three components: Area A, where the platform for LRT-1 and MRT-3 is located; Area B which consists of two common walkways connecting Area A and C; and Area C where the platform for MRT-7 is located.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) for its construction was signed last January by the DOTr, SM Prime Holdings Inc., Universal LRT Corp. (BVI) Ltd. of the San Miguel Corp. (SMC), Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), North Triangle Depot Commercial Corp. (NTDCC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), ending a more than seven-year impasse over the location of the railway project.
It is to be situated between the original 2009 location in front of the Annex at SM City North EDSA and the 2013 location near Trinoma mall.
Congress is currently conducting its probe on the common station project due to various concerns, such as its location, cost, and design.
Critics of the project claimed that it would cost the government PHP2.8 billion and would only be beneficial to the companies that will be involved.
The DOTr assured the public that no fare hike will be imposed for the construction of the common station project.
Moreover, it explained that the costs have increased due to its larger capacity, compared to the previous design on the project.
“The DOTr is seeing this as cost of governance for passenger convenience. It is an improved and bigger station with the private sector shouldering part of the cost. The initial location was approximately 7,200 sq. meters (sqm), the second location was approximately 2,500 sqm, while the current location is at 13,700 sqm. The size is projected to answer the future demand in passenger traffic,” DOTr spokesperson Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado said in an earlier statement.
Under the said MOA, Area A will be financed and built by the DOTr, Area B by Ayala and its partners, and Area C by San Miguel.
The operation, maintenance, and development for Area A will be split between LRMC for LRT-1 and DOTr for MRT-3. Area B will be operated, maintained, and developed by Ayala and Area C by San Miguel.
The DOTr has also stated that the location of the common station near Trinoma was based on technical studies that would ensure convenience to the riding public.
For his part, LRMC chief and former public works secretary Rogelio Singson proposed that a temporary LRT station connecting Line 1 and MRT-3 be built in front of SM City North EDSA Annex.
He estimated that the temporary station would cost LRMC between PHP250 million and PHP280 million, and could be built in 10 to 12 months. The proposed temporary station is seen to run for two-and-a-half years to three years to recoup the expenses and would not affect the construction of the proposed common station. The cost would not be passed on to commuters by way of a fare increase.
The project seeks to provide comfort to passengers by ensuring a seamless transfer among the major rail line systems.
DOTr public information officer Hope Libiran said the department is on track with its timeline to start the construction of the LRT-MRT common station by December and its completion in April 2019.
“It (LRT-MRT common station) is still a go,” she said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The common station will be located between SM North and Trinoma malls and has three components: Area A, where the platform for LRT-1 and MRT-3 is located; Area B which consists of two common walkways connecting Area A and C; and Area C where the platform for MRT-7 is located.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) for its construction was signed last January by the DOTr, SM Prime Holdings Inc., Universal LRT Corp. (BVI) Ltd. of the San Miguel Corp. (SMC), Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), North Triangle Depot Commercial Corp. (NTDCC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), ending a more than seven-year impasse over the location of the railway project.
It is to be situated between the original 2009 location in front of the Annex at SM City North EDSA and the 2013 location near Trinoma mall.
Congress is currently conducting its probe on the common station project due to various concerns, such as its location, cost, and design.
Critics of the project claimed that it would cost the government PHP2.8 billion and would only be beneficial to the companies that will be involved.
The DOTr assured the public that no fare hike will be imposed for the construction of the common station project.
Moreover, it explained that the costs have increased due to its larger capacity, compared to the previous design on the project.
“The DOTr is seeing this as cost of governance for passenger convenience. It is an improved and bigger station with the private sector shouldering part of the cost. The initial location was approximately 7,200 sq. meters (sqm), the second location was approximately 2,500 sqm, while the current location is at 13,700 sqm. The size is projected to answer the future demand in passenger traffic,” DOTr spokesperson Assistant Secretary Cherie Mercado said in an earlier statement.
Under the said MOA, Area A will be financed and built by the DOTr, Area B by Ayala and its partners, and Area C by San Miguel.
The operation, maintenance, and development for Area A will be split between LRMC for LRT-1 and DOTr for MRT-3. Area B will be operated, maintained, and developed by Ayala and Area C by San Miguel.
The DOTr has also stated that the location of the common station near Trinoma was based on technical studies that would ensure convenience to the riding public.
For his part, LRMC chief and former public works secretary Rogelio Singson proposed that a temporary LRT station connecting Line 1 and MRT-3 be built in front of SM City North EDSA Annex.
He estimated that the temporary station would cost LRMC between PHP250 million and PHP280 million, and could be built in 10 to 12 months. The proposed temporary station is seen to run for two-and-a-half years to three years to recoup the expenses and would not affect the construction of the proposed common station. The cost would not be passed on to commuters by way of a fare increase.
The construction could start this year once the government approves the proposal.
The SMPHI, DOTr, and LRTA will file a joint manifestation with the Supreme Court to resolve the issue of the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the common station project and proceed with its construction.
An appeal for the lifting of the TRO will be filed by all parties after the detailed engineering designs are completed.
DOTr assures the proper handling and planning of the traffic impact of the construction of the Common Station and will put in place a Traffic Management Plan that will be approved by the Metro Manila Council and the I-ACT as part of its detailed engineering process.
The DPWH will build an underpass along EDSA at the area where the common station will be located.
The SMPHI, DOTr, and LRTA will file a joint manifestation with the Supreme Court to resolve the issue of the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the common station project and proceed with its construction.
An appeal for the lifting of the TRO will be filed by all parties after the detailed engineering designs are completed.
DOTr assures the proper handling and planning of the traffic impact of the construction of the Common Station and will put in place a Traffic Management Plan that will be approved by the Metro Manila Council and the I-ACT as part of its detailed engineering process.
The DPWH will build an underpass along EDSA at the area where the common station will be located.
Saturday, February 18, 2017
DOTr urged to rush MRT-LRT station
SPEAKER Pantaleon Alvarez has called on the Department of Transportation to speed up the building of the Light Railway Transit (LRT)–Metro Railway Transit (MRT) common station and to consider public welfare as its priority for the project.
Alvarez issued the call as the House committee on transportation, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, resumed Wednesday afternoon its hearing on the common station project that will link LRT 1, MRT 3 and the forthcoming MRT 7.
“We have wasted so much time to implement this project. Even during the 14th Congress, it was established where the common station should be, in the interest of the public,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said it was high time for the government to identify where the common station should be since funding for the project would come from the government, using the budget allocated by Congress.
“Let those who want to question the government do it in the proper venue,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also asked DOTr officials “to start building, with or without a TRO [temporary restraining order], the common station that is in the interest of the riding public.”
He reminded the DOTr officials that Congress could always exercise its oversight function.
The Jan. 18, 2017 memorandum of agreement entered into for the common station was, according to several members of the committee, mired with anomalous and questionable provisions which could put the government at the losing end.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate earlier filed House Resolution 470, directing the committee to probe the DOTr’s decision to enter into a MOA and adopt former Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya’s proposed compromise station between The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Trinoma Mall.
Zarate said the decision was an apparent attempt to appease competing business interests.
Alvarez issued the call as the House committee on transportation, chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento, resumed Wednesday afternoon its hearing on the common station project that will link LRT 1, MRT 3 and the forthcoming MRT 7.
“We have wasted so much time to implement this project. Even during the 14th Congress, it was established where the common station should be, in the interest of the public,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez said it was high time for the government to identify where the common station should be since funding for the project would come from the government, using the budget allocated by Congress.
“Let those who want to question the government do it in the proper venue,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez also asked DOTr officials “to start building, with or without a TRO [temporary restraining order], the common station that is in the interest of the riding public.”
He reminded the DOTr officials that Congress could always exercise its oversight function.
The Jan. 18, 2017 memorandum of agreement entered into for the common station was, according to several members of the committee, mired with anomalous and questionable provisions which could put the government at the losing end.
Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate earlier filed House Resolution 470, directing the committee to probe the DOTr’s decision to enter into a MOA and adopt former Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya’s proposed compromise station between The Annex at SM City North EDSA and Trinoma Mall.
Zarate said the decision was an apparent attempt to appease competing business interests.
LRT Line 2 Extension won't be completed till 2019
It looks like it will take until 2019 before commuters can use the LRT Line 2 extension instead of later this year as originally targeted.
The LRT Line 2 extension appears to be nearly finished, with all the pillars and viaduct free of barriers and safety nets, but the project is far from complete as it still lacks rails. Stations have yet to be constructed, and electromechanical works will be re-auctioned and awarded only by July.
Based on Transportation department estimates, the LRT Line 2 extension will become operational by January 2019, well past the original target of the third quarter of 2017.
The reason for the delay: contracts that were split, allegedly to favor small-scale bidders.
According to transportation expert Rene Santiago, "the reason for the chop-chop is not economies of scale. It is to give their favorite a reason or chance to get money and make a contract."
Santiago added, "if you chop it into smaller pieces, even your janitor can do it, can get a piece of the pie."
Having only one contract for the LRT Line 2 extension, which is only 4 kilometers long, could have led to completion two years following groundbreaking in 2015.
The Transportation department, however, said it is only following what is stipulated in the law.
Here's how Cesar Chavez, OIC-Undersecretary for rails at DOTr, explained it: Per "Republic Act 9184, for a contractor to qualify, kailangan yung kanyang capability is 50% meron syang, yung single biggest contract nya is 50% of the total project cost. Therefore, kung 10 billion pesos worth yung project, ang contractor merong single biggest contract worth 5 billion pesos. Bihira ang ganyan."
The upside to the delay is the relatively manageable traffic for those using Marcos Highway, a situation more than likely to change once construction of the LRT 2 extension's two stations start.
The LRT Line 2 extension appears to be nearly finished, with all the pillars and viaduct free of barriers and safety nets, but the project is far from complete as it still lacks rails. Stations have yet to be constructed, and electromechanical works will be re-auctioned and awarded only by July.
Based on Transportation department estimates, the LRT Line 2 extension will become operational by January 2019, well past the original target of the third quarter of 2017.
The reason for the delay: contracts that were split, allegedly to favor small-scale bidders.
According to transportation expert Rene Santiago, "the reason for the chop-chop is not economies of scale. It is to give their favorite a reason or chance to get money and make a contract."
Santiago added, "if you chop it into smaller pieces, even your janitor can do it, can get a piece of the pie."
Having only one contract for the LRT Line 2 extension, which is only 4 kilometers long, could have led to completion two years following groundbreaking in 2015.
The Transportation department, however, said it is only following what is stipulated in the law.
Here's how Cesar Chavez, OIC-Undersecretary for rails at DOTr, explained it: Per "Republic Act 9184, for a contractor to qualify, kailangan yung kanyang capability is 50% meron syang, yung single biggest contract nya is 50% of the total project cost. Therefore, kung 10 billion pesos worth yung project, ang contractor merong single biggest contract worth 5 billion pesos. Bihira ang ganyan."
The upside to the delay is the relatively manageable traffic for those using Marcos Highway, a situation more than likely to change once construction of the LRT 2 extension's two stations start.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Poe sets hearing on Mrt-Lrt common station
Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, will hold a public hearing on Monday, Feb. 13 on the planned construction of the common station that will link three elevated railways in the capital.
The hearing will be held at noon at the Laurel Room, Philippine Senate.
The committee has invited Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade and Public Works Sec. Mark Villar, along with officials from the Light Rail Transit Authority, MRT-3, Light Rail Manila Corp., and concerned stakeholders to shed light on the planned common station which costs P2.8 billion.
“We need to conduct this hearing to determine the benefits and convenience to the riding public and apprise them on the concept, design and terms of reference of the common station just as we have to make sure that the project is cost-efficient and effective in addressing various concerns of stakeholders,” said Poe.
The hearing will discuss Senate Resolution No. 278 filed by Poe on the need for transparency in the concept, design and construction of the common station project at Edsa and North Avenue in Quezon City for LRT-1, MRT-3 and the proposed MRT-7 which will originate from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
The Department of Transportation signed an agreement with three private sector proponents for the construction of the common station, effectively ending a long running dispute.
The hearing will be held at noon at the Laurel Room, Philippine Senate.
The committee has invited Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade and Public Works Sec. Mark Villar, along with officials from the Light Rail Transit Authority, MRT-3, Light Rail Manila Corp., and concerned stakeholders to shed light on the planned common station which costs P2.8 billion.
“We need to conduct this hearing to determine the benefits and convenience to the riding public and apprise them on the concept, design and terms of reference of the common station just as we have to make sure that the project is cost-efficient and effective in addressing various concerns of stakeholders,” said Poe.
The hearing will discuss Senate Resolution No. 278 filed by Poe on the need for transparency in the concept, design and construction of the common station project at Edsa and North Avenue in Quezon City for LRT-1, MRT-3 and the proposed MRT-7 which will originate from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.
The Department of Transportation signed an agreement with three private sector proponents for the construction of the common station, effectively ending a long running dispute.
Friday, February 10, 2017
LRT firm proposes temporary station
Light Rail Manila Corp., a consortium led by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said it is open to constructing a temporary station that will link Metro Manila’s overhead train system in Quezon City.
LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said the company planned to construct the temporary station at no cost to the government in 10 to 12 months.
The offer was in reply to House committee on transportation chairman Cesar Sarmiento’s proposal to build a temporary LRT-1 station that could receive more train riders and could be constructed in a shorter time at no cost to the government.
The construction of a temporary station can provide convenience to LRT-1 riders who can ride and alight the LRT-1 near SM North, instead of going all the way to Roosevelt Station.
Sarmiento and other members of the committee are scheduled to conduct an ocular inspection of the site on Feb. 15 to study the possibility of the proposed temporary station that will benefit 20,000 to 30,000 LRT-1 riders.
The proposal came after the Transportation Department said it would spend P2.8 billion to build a common station for LRT Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the proposed MRT 7.
Congressmen earlier expressed opposition to the common station because the location would reportedly be in favor of the business interests of the two malls located at North Ave.
SM Group’s Hans Sy, Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Manuel Pangilinan and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed a memorandum of agreement on Jan. 18 to build the common station.
The agreement contains the design parameters for the common station, which is agreed to be between the original 2009 location in front of SM Annex and 2014 location near Trinoma mall.
On November 21, 2013, Malacanang approved the P1.4 billion construction of the LRT1 North Extension Project – Common Station. The project involves the provision of a common station for LRT1, MRT3 and eventually MRT7. Head to head platforms for LRT1 and MRT3 with a 147.4-meter elevated walk-a-lator to the proposed MRT7 at North Avenue will be constructed.
The P2.8 billion common station will be financed and built by the Transportation Department, which will start construction by December.
LRMC president and chief executive Rogelio Singson said the company planned to construct the temporary station at no cost to the government in 10 to 12 months.
The offer was in reply to House committee on transportation chairman Cesar Sarmiento’s proposal to build a temporary LRT-1 station that could receive more train riders and could be constructed in a shorter time at no cost to the government.
The construction of a temporary station can provide convenience to LRT-1 riders who can ride and alight the LRT-1 near SM North, instead of going all the way to Roosevelt Station.
Sarmiento and other members of the committee are scheduled to conduct an ocular inspection of the site on Feb. 15 to study the possibility of the proposed temporary station that will benefit 20,000 to 30,000 LRT-1 riders.
The proposal came after the Transportation Department said it would spend P2.8 billion to build a common station for LRT Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and the proposed MRT 7.
Congressmen earlier expressed opposition to the common station because the location would reportedly be in favor of the business interests of the two malls located at North Ave.
SM Group’s Hans Sy, Ayala Corp.’s Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Manuel Pangilinan and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade signed a memorandum of agreement on Jan. 18 to build the common station.
The agreement contains the design parameters for the common station, which is agreed to be between the original 2009 location in front of SM Annex and 2014 location near Trinoma mall.
On November 21, 2013, Malacanang approved the P1.4 billion construction of the LRT1 North Extension Project – Common Station. The project involves the provision of a common station for LRT1, MRT3 and eventually MRT7. Head to head platforms for LRT1 and MRT3 with a 147.4-meter elevated walk-a-lator to the proposed MRT7 at North Avenue will be constructed.
The P2.8 billion common station will be financed and built by the Transportation Department, which will start construction by December.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
LRT-1 Cavite extension project expected to break ground within Q1
THE LIGHT RAIL Manila Corporation (LRMC) which operates the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), is set to break ground for the extension project that will connect Baclaran to Bacoor in Cavite within the first quarter.
“We will break ground in late February or early March. Under the contract, you can only issue notice to proceed once the right of way is totally cleared of informal settlers, utilities… I said I don’t need notice to proceed, I just need permit to enter,” LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Rogelio L. Singson told reporters at the sidelines of a briefing for the launching of the new Doroteo Jose Station yesterday.
“With permit to enter, I can start fencing, clearing, and a lot of engineering works, buying us a year or more,” said Mr. Singson, who was the Public Works and Highways secretary during the Aquino administration.
In September 2015, LRMC, the consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd., bagged the P64.9-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension public-private partnership project. It involves rehabilitation of the existing 21-kilometer (km.) line and an 11.7-km. extension from Baclaran to Bacoor.
Construction of the LRT extension project was slated to start in 2015, but has been hampered by right-of-way issues.
Mr. Singson said the extension project is targets to be completed in about four years or by 2021, as initially projected, with LRMC tapping French companies Bouygues Travaux Publics and Alstom Transport Private Limited.
Under the extension project, there will be eight new stations with three intermodal facilities -- Dr. Santos, Zapote, and Niog. The new stations will be Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog.
Meanwhile, LRMC also announced the replacement of the LRT-1 rails is 40% complete and expected to be completed by the end of 2017 for the 26 kilometer-stretch -- 21 kilometers on the northbound route and five kilometers on the southbound route.
Mr. Singson said the completion of the rehabilitation will increase light rail vehicles’ maximum speed to 60 kilometers per hour (kph) from its current 40 kph. It is also expected to expand the trains’ lifespan, significantly improve the efficiency of the whole train system, and “avoid wear and tear of the rolling stock.”
On Monday, LRMC unveiled the newly improved Doroteo Jose Station on the LRT-1, the first for the company’s P500-million station improvement project.
LRMC said the Doroteo Jose Station will serve an average of 27,000 passengers daily connecting to LRT-2.
“Doroteo Jose is just the beginning. We are now working on the rest of the project’s phases and, with the support of our commercial partners, we are hoping to see more enhancements at the other stations by the end of this year,” Mr. Singson said.
LRMC started the refurbishment of the Doroteo Jose station in December 2015. The next phase of the project will cover Central Terminal, United Nations, Gil Puyat, Abad Santos, Pedro Gil, and R. Papa stations.
“We will break ground in late February or early March. Under the contract, you can only issue notice to proceed once the right of way is totally cleared of informal settlers, utilities… I said I don’t need notice to proceed, I just need permit to enter,” LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Rogelio L. Singson told reporters at the sidelines of a briefing for the launching of the new Doroteo Jose Station yesterday.
“With permit to enter, I can start fencing, clearing, and a lot of engineering works, buying us a year or more,” said Mr. Singson, who was the Public Works and Highways secretary during the Aquino administration.
In September 2015, LRMC, the consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd., bagged the P64.9-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension public-private partnership project. It involves rehabilitation of the existing 21-kilometer (km.) line and an 11.7-km. extension from Baclaran to Bacoor.
Construction of the LRT extension project was slated to start in 2015, but has been hampered by right-of-way issues.
Mr. Singson said the extension project is targets to be completed in about four years or by 2021, as initially projected, with LRMC tapping French companies Bouygues Travaux Publics and Alstom Transport Private Limited.
Under the extension project, there will be eight new stations with three intermodal facilities -- Dr. Santos, Zapote, and Niog. The new stations will be Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino, Dr. Santos, Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog.
Meanwhile, LRMC also announced the replacement of the LRT-1 rails is 40% complete and expected to be completed by the end of 2017 for the 26 kilometer-stretch -- 21 kilometers on the northbound route and five kilometers on the southbound route.
Mr. Singson said the completion of the rehabilitation will increase light rail vehicles’ maximum speed to 60 kilometers per hour (kph) from its current 40 kph. It is also expected to expand the trains’ lifespan, significantly improve the efficiency of the whole train system, and “avoid wear and tear of the rolling stock.”
On Monday, LRMC unveiled the newly improved Doroteo Jose Station on the LRT-1, the first for the company’s P500-million station improvement project.
LRMC said the Doroteo Jose Station will serve an average of 27,000 passengers daily connecting to LRT-2.
“Doroteo Jose is just the beginning. We are now working on the rest of the project’s phases and, with the support of our commercial partners, we are hoping to see more enhancements at the other stations by the end of this year,” Mr. Singson said.
LRMC started the refurbishment of the Doroteo Jose station in December 2015. The next phase of the project will cover Central Terminal, United Nations, Gil Puyat, Abad Santos, Pedro Gil, and R. Papa stations.
Vin Abrenica levels up in ‘Moonlight Over Baler’ 0 SHARES Share it! By: Crispina Martinez-Belen Published February 7, 2017, 12:05 AM
After Star Cinema’s “Extra Service,” Vin Abrenica’s newest movie, “Moonlight Over Baler,” is another reason for him to smile. His director Gil Portes and leading lady, Elizabeth Oropesa, are all praises for his performance in this film.
Even if Vin jested that he was the “favorite na napapagalitan ni Direk Gil,” it resulted in acting that reflected his passion for becoming a better actor in every acting project he lands. They first worked together in “Ang Hapis At Himagsik Ni Hermano Puli.”
“I enjoyed working with Direk Gil Portes. It’s really an honor and hopefully we’ll work together again in another project,” said Vin.
Elizabeth said during the film’s press conference, “Marunong naman ang batang ito. He was able to deliver. He was very serious with his career in that he wants to be corrected kung hindi siya sure. Kasi ako hindi ko ugaling makialam sa mga bagong artista na hindi humihingi ng tulong. Ito, laging humihingi ng tulong. Magaling at malayo ang marararating.”
Vin admitted that working with an awarded actress like Elizabeth was an intimidating experience. He described her to be always guiding him in their scenes. Do they have a kissing scene?
“’Yung kissing scene dapat mapanuod ninyo. Suwabe lang siya,” shared Vin. He added that it was an honor to be paired with Elizabeth who’s considered one of the finest veteran dramatic actresses in the country. Vin plays Nestor, a Filipino USAFFE soldier during World War II and Kenji, a photojournalist and surfer who went to Baler after he covered the EDSA Revolution.
Directed by Gil, from the screenplay of Eric Ramos, also in the cast of “Moonlight Over Baler” are Sophie Albert, Ellen Adarna, Daria Ramirez, Menggie Cobarrubias, Angie Ferro, Kate Alejandrino, Abel Estanislao, Aaron Yanga, Dennis Coronel, Alvin Fortuna, Jess Evardone, Jun Nayra, and Blaine Medina.
Produced by T-Rex Entertainment and distributed by OctoArts Films, it opens on Feb. 8 in cinemas nationwide.
• • •
Mojofly at Pupung Bar
After almost seven years of absence, Mojofly has returned to the OPM music scene with a set of fresh compositions. Lead players Ali Alejandro and wife Lougee Basabas, together with Mark Gelbolingo and Kiko Montecillo will perform live on Feb. 14, as the Valentine Dinner Concert of Pupung Bar & Grill in Kilometer Zero, Free Trade Zone, Mariveles, Bataan.
Pupung Bar & Grill, an inspiration of Tonton Young’s cartoon featured in Manila Bulletin, serves the best Filipino and Asian food, rated now as the most popular resto in the area.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 7, go to broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim-Alvarez of TV5, Ian Veneracion, Dinah Dominguez, Liz Alindogan, Fr. Fernando M. Suarez, Anita Baita, Mrs. Flor Salvador, Elpidio de Vera, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Florindo Santos, Nanette R. Luciano, Gina San Buenaventura, Ricardo Javier, Charlie Mahinay of PCSO PR Dept., Miguel Abellada, Joyce Ann Medina Caligan, Oliver Quiba, John del Gallego, Juliana Austria, Nelia David, Amarice Santos Banares, and Winnie Velasquez... Happy wedding anniversary to Benito Natividad Jr., and Dr. Evelyn Lozano... Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Asst. Editor-in-chief Ed Bartilad, Joel Cruz of Aficionado Germany Perfume, Abelita Cabando, Asay Gonzalez, Baby Melita Castillon-Sevilla, Bill Neri, Cecil Semense, Clinton Malinao, Armie Sagrado, Corsing Romano, Dr. Jeffrey Lawas, Erlinda Lorenciana, Eva Marie Tagudina, Rev. Fr. Mike Hisoler, Gilbert Castaneda, Gregory Prober, Hazel Espinosa, Jermagne Dunst Reston, Junie Martinez, Lisa Villahermosa, Lito Velasquez, former Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr., Merlou Aznar, Nathan Kyle Lingaton, Rev. Fr. Eligio L. Almazol, Jr., Rodel Fernando, James Cantos, Vilma Vibar and Ruth Bas (Feb. 5)...Condolences to the family of Mary Anne Tolentino who passed away Feb. 8: former President Noynoy Aquino, director Leonardo Garcia, Ronnie Henares, Bea Guanzon, Gen. Joven Gongora, Neysa de Mesa, Mauro Gamboa Reyes II, Raymond Mejia Mendoza, Edith Diaz, Martin D.C. Alegre and Jenny Miller...
Even if Vin jested that he was the “favorite na napapagalitan ni Direk Gil,” it resulted in acting that reflected his passion for becoming a better actor in every acting project he lands. They first worked together in “Ang Hapis At Himagsik Ni Hermano Puli.”
“I enjoyed working with Direk Gil Portes. It’s really an honor and hopefully we’ll work together again in another project,” said Vin.
Elizabeth said during the film’s press conference, “Marunong naman ang batang ito. He was able to deliver. He was very serious with his career in that he wants to be corrected kung hindi siya sure. Kasi ako hindi ko ugaling makialam sa mga bagong artista na hindi humihingi ng tulong. Ito, laging humihingi ng tulong. Magaling at malayo ang marararating.”
Vin admitted that working with an awarded actress like Elizabeth was an intimidating experience. He described her to be always guiding him in their scenes. Do they have a kissing scene?
“’Yung kissing scene dapat mapanuod ninyo. Suwabe lang siya,” shared Vin. He added that it was an honor to be paired with Elizabeth who’s considered one of the finest veteran dramatic actresses in the country. Vin plays Nestor, a Filipino USAFFE soldier during World War II and Kenji, a photojournalist and surfer who went to Baler after he covered the EDSA Revolution.
Directed by Gil, from the screenplay of Eric Ramos, also in the cast of “Moonlight Over Baler” are Sophie Albert, Ellen Adarna, Daria Ramirez, Menggie Cobarrubias, Angie Ferro, Kate Alejandrino, Abel Estanislao, Aaron Yanga, Dennis Coronel, Alvin Fortuna, Jess Evardone, Jun Nayra, and Blaine Medina.
Produced by T-Rex Entertainment and distributed by OctoArts Films, it opens on Feb. 8 in cinemas nationwide.
• • •
Mojofly at Pupung Bar
After almost seven years of absence, Mojofly has returned to the OPM music scene with a set of fresh compositions. Lead players Ali Alejandro and wife Lougee Basabas, together with Mark Gelbolingo and Kiko Montecillo will perform live on Feb. 14, as the Valentine Dinner Concert of Pupung Bar & Grill in Kilometer Zero, Free Trade Zone, Mariveles, Bataan.
Pupung Bar & Grill, an inspiration of Tonton Young’s cartoon featured in Manila Bulletin, serves the best Filipino and Asian food, rated now as the most popular resto in the area.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 7, go to broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim-Alvarez of TV5, Ian Veneracion, Dinah Dominguez, Liz Alindogan, Fr. Fernando M. Suarez, Anita Baita, Mrs. Flor Salvador, Elpidio de Vera, Rianna Diego, Ramon Mauricio, Florindo Santos, Nanette R. Luciano, Gina San Buenaventura, Ricardo Javier, Charlie Mahinay of PCSO PR Dept., Miguel Abellada, Joyce Ann Medina Caligan, Oliver Quiba, John del Gallego, Juliana Austria, Nelia David, Amarice Santos Banares, and Winnie Velasquez... Happy wedding anniversary to Benito Natividad Jr., and Dr. Evelyn Lozano... Belated b-day greetings to MB’s Asst. Editor-in-chief Ed Bartilad, Joel Cruz of Aficionado Germany Perfume, Abelita Cabando, Asay Gonzalez, Baby Melita Castillon-Sevilla, Bill Neri, Cecil Semense, Clinton Malinao, Armie Sagrado, Corsing Romano, Dr. Jeffrey Lawas, Erlinda Lorenciana, Eva Marie Tagudina, Rev. Fr. Mike Hisoler, Gilbert Castaneda, Gregory Prober, Hazel Espinosa, Jermagne Dunst Reston, Junie Martinez, Lisa Villahermosa, Lito Velasquez, former Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr., Merlou Aznar, Nathan Kyle Lingaton, Rev. Fr. Eligio L. Almazol, Jr., Rodel Fernando, James Cantos, Vilma Vibar and Ruth Bas (Feb. 5)...Condolences to the family of Mary Anne Tolentino who passed away Feb. 8: former President Noynoy Aquino, director Leonardo Garcia, Ronnie Henares, Bea Guanzon, Gen. Joven Gongora, Neysa de Mesa, Mauro Gamboa Reyes II, Raymond Mejia Mendoza, Edith Diaz, Martin D.C. Alegre and Jenny Miller...
Monday, February 6, 2017
Uncommon Way To Final Solution For Common Station
The long-delayed project to construct a Common Station to link the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, plus the Metro Rail Transit Line 7, got back on track. These decision-makers a virtual who’s who among the country’s captains of industry even agreed to make a show of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement that would finally get the Common Station designed and built all within two years at the latest. They were all there Hans Sy and Jeffrey Lim of SM Philippines, Ramon Ang and Lorenzo Formoso of SMC, Jaime Zobel de Ayala and Bernard Vincent Dy of the North Triangle Depot Commercial Corporation, Manny V. Pangilinan and Rogelio Singson of the Light Rail Manila Corporation at the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement that would pave the way for the construction of the Common Station.
JAIME AUGUSTO ZOBEL DE AYALA
Thank you very much. I'd like to add my own words of thank you to Secretary Tugade, Secretary Villar for the leadership they have brought for bringing us all together. It's all been an important imperative in our country to bring the public sector and private sector together to address some of the more pressing problems. This is a perfect example of leadership from the government in bringing us all in the private sector together to build a facility for a common good.
HANS SY
First and foremost, I'd like to acknowledge the leadership of Secretary Tugade and also, Secretary Villar. As I was mentioning Secretary Villar, this is one sign that I felt that things are really moving and moving fast. So, this is a milestone that would like to be able to show our full support also to the project and a big thank you to all the people who were able to make this come true. Thank you.
MARK VILLAR
I'd like to thank, of course, the private sector for their support to help solve the infrastructure problems here in the country. Obviously, because of the size and scope of the infrastructure, it's a big help that the private sectors (are) becoming active in helping us in solving these issues. Thank you very much to all of you from the government, we would like to extend our thanks and of course, I'd like to acknowledge our very hardworking secretary, Secretary Art Tugade. I'm always with them and I see how hard he really tried to get this deal and how passionate he is about it.
MANNY PANGILINAN
From our perspective, the signing of the memorandum today is very important or what we call, a sentinel event because it signifies a public-private sector cooperation. Number 2, it brings a lot of ease and comfort to the commuting public. Number 3, very significant, investment in this particular project. I'd like to thank the parties who are signatories of this memorandum but in particular, I'd like to single out Secretary Tugade and of course, with the cooperation of Secretary Villar, for making this memorandum possible today. Thank you.
RAMON ANG
Alam n'yo, itong problema ng common station, started in year 2008 during the time of President GMA, President Noy and now, under the strong leadership of President Duterte and Secretary Tugade, all of a sudden, wala nang problema ang lahat. na-resolve ang lahat ng issue. Diba napakagaling ng ating Secretary Tugade? Salamat po.
ART TUGADE
Napakagandang natapos natin ngayon ang pirmahan. Mag-uumpisa na 'yung konstruksyon, matatapos ito based on target, in 2 years. In 2 years, we are expecting a common station barring unforeseen circumstances. Today, kailangan lang ilagay natin on the record, wala hong kinalaman lahat 'to. Sinasabi, "Ask Tugade. Aks Tugade." Ang may kinalaman po dito, 'yung Pangulo ng Republika, si Pangulong Rody Roa Duterte. Sa kanya po nagmumula 'yung leadership. And for the record, let me state that this thing this morning would not have been possible without the cooperation, trust and confidence of the private sectors headed by the 5 parties in today's gathering. Napakaganda hong tignan na nagsamsa-sama sila, nagbuklod-buklod, kapit-bisig upang bigyan ng katotohanan ang buhay ang isang problemang matagal na panahon din nating binitbit. Naniwala sila sa gobyerno, hindi inalintana 'yung kanya-kanyang personal na pakinabang. Sabi nila, "Gobyerno muna, bayan pa more." kaya nagpirmahan tayo ngayon.
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