Original maintenance provider inks contract for rehab of aging train line
The Japanese consortium of Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is officially back as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3’s maintenance service provider as the country’s busiest train line undergoes a 43-month-long rehabilitation starting next year.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) signed a contract on Friday with the Japanese companies that would oversee the overhaul and maintenance of the 16.9-kilometer train line, its 13 stations and 72 light rail vehicles.
Malfunction-prone
The MRT 3’s rehabilitation is expected to return the aging train system to its original condition and capacity. More importantly, the DOTr hopes it will put an end to the MRT 3’s three-yearlong struggle against glitches, malfunctions and technical difficulties that have resulted in numerous offloading incidents.
While the rehabilitation project itself was expected to take more than 3 years, Sumitomo Corp. managing executive officer Tsutomu Akimoto promised that riders would be able to see improvements in the train line “in a year’s time.”
Both Sumitomo and Mitsubishi have made a commitment to finish overhauling the MRT 3 line within 26 months.
Consortium’s promise to riders
“We commit ourselves to the completion of the project safely, on time and of the highest quality,” said Mitsubishi Heavy Industries executive vice president Ken Kawai. “We look forward to making the Manila people happy soon.”
The extensive project will be funded by an P18-billion official development assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
The loan agreement was formally signed in November as the public clamored for viable mass transit options amid the worsening traffic problem in the metropolis.
The interest rate was set at 0.1 percent a year, payable in 28 years after a grace period of 12 years.
The contract signed on Friday covered, among other things, the restoration and overhaul of the line’s power supply, overhead catenary system, signaling system, tracks, closed-circuit television camera and public address systems, and elevators and escalators.
The Japanese consortium was the original maintenance provider for the MRT 3 when it started operating in 1999. However, it was replaced in 2012 by transportation officials who protested the high maintenance fees being charged by the consortium.
Transport Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan earlier said the full mobilization of the project would start next month.
From 15 to 20 trains by 26th month
He was optimistic that despite the ongoing rehabilitation, the MRT 3 would be able to maintain the average number of running trains at 15 during the first 14 months to avoid inconveniencing its almost 360,000 daily riders.
Afterward, the number of operational trains will be gradually increased until it reaches a maximum of 20 trains running at 60 kilometers per hour by the 26th month.
The rest of the 43-month period will cover periodic maintenance and rehabilitation.
Since the start of 2018, the MRT 3 has registered 56 offloading incidents, down 80 percent from 2016 and 2017.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1067365/sumitomo-back-on-track-with-mrt-3
Saturday, December 29, 2018
DOTr rehires Sumitomo for MRT-3 rehabilitation
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corp. signed yesterday the contract for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the MRT-3, making official the return of the train system’s original maintenance providers.
Sumitomo is being joined by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to restore the mass rail transit system to its original performance standards.
The DOTr said the rehabilitation and maintenance contract would cover the entire 16.9-kilometer line, all its 13 stations, all remaining 72 light rail vehicles (LRVs), and the MRT-3 Depot in North Avenue, Quezon City.
“All sub-systems will be restored, renewed or upgraded, including MRT-3’s trackworks, signaling system, power supply system, overhead catenary system, communications system, and maintenance and station equipment,” the agency said.
Engineers from Sumitomo-MHI have been in the MRT-3 Depot daily for advance transition works since Oct. 15.
The Philippines inked last Nov. 8 an P18-billion loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the rehabilitation of the MRT-3.
MRT-3, which covers North Ave. station in Quezon City until Taft station in Pasay City, started operating in 2000 and the first round of general overhaul was completed by Sumitomo in 2008.
The second round of overhaul was supposed to have been completed in 2016, but with the termination of Busan Universal Rail Inc. in November 2017, only three of the 43 trains that was covered by its contract were overhauled.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said Sumitomo would also help in determining the timing for the deployment of the China-made Dalian trains in the MRT-3 system.
Early this month, the DOTr subjected the second train set of Dalian coaches to reliability, availability, maintainability and safety validation test.
The train set will run during off-peak hours prior to its deployment in MRT-3’s mainline.
The Dalian coaches are required to finish the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before it is completely rolled out during peak hours of the MRT-3 operations.
Incompatibility concerns were earlier raised with the 48 LRVs procured by the previous administration for P3.8 billion after they exceeded the weight prescribed in the terms of reference (49,700 kilograms vs. 46,300 kilograms).
Following an independent audit conducted by German firm TUV Rheinland, the DOTr said the Dalian trains could still be used if the adjustments identified in the audit are addressed “without sacrificing the safety, the security, and life of the passengers and the system.”
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/29/1880579/dotr-rehires-sumitomo-mrt-3-rehabilitation
Sumitomo is being joined by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to restore the mass rail transit system to its original performance standards.
The DOTr said the rehabilitation and maintenance contract would cover the entire 16.9-kilometer line, all its 13 stations, all remaining 72 light rail vehicles (LRVs), and the MRT-3 Depot in North Avenue, Quezon City.
“All sub-systems will be restored, renewed or upgraded, including MRT-3’s trackworks, signaling system, power supply system, overhead catenary system, communications system, and maintenance and station equipment,” the agency said.
Engineers from Sumitomo-MHI have been in the MRT-3 Depot daily for advance transition works since Oct. 15.
The Philippines inked last Nov. 8 an P18-billion loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency for the rehabilitation of the MRT-3.
MRT-3, which covers North Ave. station in Quezon City until Taft station in Pasay City, started operating in 2000 and the first round of general overhaul was completed by Sumitomo in 2008.
The second round of overhaul was supposed to have been completed in 2016, but with the termination of Busan Universal Rail Inc. in November 2017, only three of the 43 trains that was covered by its contract were overhauled.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said Sumitomo would also help in determining the timing for the deployment of the China-made Dalian trains in the MRT-3 system.
Early this month, the DOTr subjected the second train set of Dalian coaches to reliability, availability, maintainability and safety validation test.
The train set will run during off-peak hours prior to its deployment in MRT-3’s mainline.
The Dalian coaches are required to finish the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before it is completely rolled out during peak hours of the MRT-3 operations.
Incompatibility concerns were earlier raised with the 48 LRVs procured by the previous administration for P3.8 billion after they exceeded the weight prescribed in the terms of reference (49,700 kilograms vs. 46,300 kilograms).
Following an independent audit conducted by German firm TUV Rheinland, the DOTr said the Dalian trains could still be used if the adjustments identified in the audit are addressed “without sacrificing the safety, the security, and life of the passengers and the system.”
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/29/1880579/dotr-rehires-sumitomo-mrt-3-rehabilitation
Friday, December 28, 2018
Story behind Metro Manila Subway and the 45 years since its first proposal
After 45 years since a Metro Manila subway was first proposed in 1973, the Department of Transportation announced that it would start its construction in January 2019.
DOTr revealed that the subway’s groundbreaking ceremony was supposed to be held in December 2018 but it got moved due to scheduling issues between key players involved in the project.
The Metro Manila Subway is a 35-kilometer line that will operate from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City with trips lasting 40 minutes.
Proposed stations are in Mindanao Avenue, Tandang Sora, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, Katipunan, Ortigas North, Ortigas South, Kalayaan Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Cayetano Boulevard and the Food Terminal, Inc. Complex.
The subway is estimated to accommodate around 370,000 passengers daily and is expected to be fully operational by 2025.
The first phase of the project is slated to be finished by May 2022. It would cover the stations in Mindanao Avenue-Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora and North Avenue.
The project would be funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through an overseas development assistance loan with a projected cost of P356.96 billion.
The underground rapid transit line is expected to ease traffic within and around Metro Manila.
It would be built based on Tokyo’s subway system with features such as flood prevention, earthquake detection, water-stop panels and an advanced train stop system.
Filipinos were divided about the prospect of a subway in the metro.
The story of the subway
The project was initially proposed in 1973 by the Overseas Technological Cooperation Agency (now JICA) and former Public Works and Transportation Secretary David Consunji.
The subway was part of the Urban Transport Study in Metropolitan Manila Area or the “Metro Manila Dream Plan” where a modern, well-integrated, coordinated and affordable transport system would address Metro Manila’s problems in traffic, land use and the environment.
The plan of the subway was later on included in the 1977 Metro Manila Transport, Land Use and Development Planning Project or the MMetroplan that was sponsored by the World Bank.
However, it was not implemented by the Philippine government that time due to flooding concerns in the areas affected by the project such as Marikina, Cainta, Rosario, Tondo, Manila, Mandaluyong, Pateros and Pasay.
The Manila Light Rail Transit System-Line 1 (LRT-1) was constructed instead.
Urban planner and architect Felino “Jun” Palafox disclosed that the government under the Marcos administration thought the LRT-1 was the “most feasible” project to build that time.
Plans for the Metro Manila Subway was eventually shelved while other transit lines such as the Manila Metro Rail Transit System-Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Manila Light Rail Transit System-Line 2 (LRT-2) were constructed.
One line, the Manila Metro Rail Transit System-Line 7 (MRT-7), is still under construction along Commonwealth Avenue.
The Aquino administration in 2014 planned to commence the subway’s construction under its “Public-Private Partnership” program but it got shelved once more due to scheduling constraints.
By August 2016, the Duterte administration decided to take over the project under its “Build, Build, Build” program that aims to improve the country’s economy through several infrastructure projects.
Former Transportation Undersecretary for Rails and Toll Roads Noel Kintanar disclosed that the administration wanted it revived due to the “demand for the service.”
In March 2018, a loan agreement between the Philippines and Japan was settled for the subway’s construction in which around P51.34 billion was allocated for the project’s first phase.
Six Japanese firms in November 2018 were chosen to oversee the project under OG Global.
These are the Oriental Consultants Global Co. Ltd, Tokyo Metro Co. Ltd., Katahira and Engineers International, Pacific Consultants Co. Ltd., Tonichi Engineering Consultants Inc. and the Metro Development Co. Ltd.
Friday, December 21, 2018
Govt, MetroPac continue talks over MRT-3 operation
The Department of Transportation said it is pursuing the development and rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 system through an unsolicited proposal submitted by Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
“We are still in talks with them [MPIC]. I want lock, stock and barrel. I want to include the issue of equity and loans,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
The Transportation Department in September 2017 granted the original proponent status to MPIC, which submitted the unsolicited bid for the rehabilitation and O&M of MRT 3.
The consortium of MPIC and Ayala Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to DOTr to upgrade and rehabilitate MRT 3 system for P12.5 billion.
The consortium is also looking at buying out the stake of the government and private investors in MRT 3.
The government through Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines own a combined 80-percent economic interest in MRT 3, while the balance is held by creditors of Metro Rail Transit Corp.
MPIC in 2011 offered to buy out the shares of Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines in MRT 3 for $1.1 billion.
MPIC-Ayala Group earlier said it was expecting to take over the O&M of MRT 3 in six months from the submission of its application as the original proponent to the government in July.
MPIC also submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation in 2011 to invest $524 million to rehabilitate and upgrade MRT 3.
The Aquino administration, however, rejected Metro Pacific’s offer that would involve raising commuter fares.
MRT 3, which runs along Edsa from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serves over 500,000 passengers a day, beyond its rated capacity of 350,000.
The line has a fleet of 73 Czech-made air-conditioned rail cars.
http://manilastandard.net/business/corporate/283432/govt-metropac-continue-talks-over-mrt-3-operation.html
“We are still in talks with them [MPIC]. I want lock, stock and barrel. I want to include the issue of equity and loans,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
The Transportation Department in September 2017 granted the original proponent status to MPIC, which submitted the unsolicited bid for the rehabilitation and O&M of MRT 3.
The consortium of MPIC and Ayala Corp. submitted an unsolicited proposal to DOTr to upgrade and rehabilitate MRT 3 system for P12.5 billion.
The consortium is also looking at buying out the stake of the government and private investors in MRT 3.
The government through Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines own a combined 80-percent economic interest in MRT 3, while the balance is held by creditors of Metro Rail Transit Corp.
MPIC in 2011 offered to buy out the shares of Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines in MRT 3 for $1.1 billion.
MPIC-Ayala Group earlier said it was expecting to take over the O&M of MRT 3 in six months from the submission of its application as the original proponent to the government in July.
MPIC also submitted a proposal to the Department of Transportation in 2011 to invest $524 million to rehabilitate and upgrade MRT 3.
The Aquino administration, however, rejected Metro Pacific’s offer that would involve raising commuter fares.
MRT 3, which runs along Edsa from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City, serves over 500,000 passengers a day, beyond its rated capacity of 350,000.
The line has a fleet of 73 Czech-made air-conditioned rail cars.
http://manilastandard.net/business/corporate/283432/govt-metropac-continue-talks-over-mrt-3-operation.html
Gov’t revisits MPIC bid to take over MRT-3
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has not completely taken out of the picture Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)’s unsolicited proposal to operate the MRT-3 amid previous statements indicating that the agency is inclined to have a solicited bidding for the project.
“We can look at the unsolicited, but also take a look at solicited. What is running through our minds right now is unsolicited, but what I want is for it to be as a whole. Operations, maintenance, equity, ownership – everything will be included, lock, stock and barrel,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
“What I am saying is we are looking at the unsolicited but that does not mean that it would be the one. We are also eyeing if it can be solicited,” he said.
Tugade said the government and the private proponent are discussing details of the proposal.
“Up to what extent we will agree, I don’t know. We are still talking,” he said.
In an interview last October, Tugade said he intends to make the project a solicited proposal, wherein the contract would be auctioned amid an existing unsolicited proposal from MPIC that has already bagged an original proponent status (OPS).
This was further supported by Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, who in a separate interview, said the solicited route is the direction the DOTr is heading into for the MRT-3.
MPIC, in partnership with Ayala Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte Ltd., was granted OPS by the DOTr last year for its proposal to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the MRT-3 for 30 years.
Being granted OPS gives MPIC the right to match an offer given by another group via a Swiss challenge.
The rehabilitation component, which was supposed to be part of MPIC’s unsolicited proposal, is now out of the equation as the DOTr announced that Japan’s Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is returning as the rehabilitation and maintenance service provider of the MRT-3.
MPIC’s proposed investment for its MRT-3 proposal is P20 billion and it includes a provision of no fare increase for at least two years.
The company has also offered to buy out the government’s stake held by Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines as well as other shareholders in Metro Rail Transit Corp. or the private owner of the train system.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/21/1878637/govt-revisits-mpic-bid-take-over-mrt-3
“We can look at the unsolicited, but also take a look at solicited. What is running through our minds right now is unsolicited, but what I want is for it to be as a whole. Operations, maintenance, equity, ownership – everything will be included, lock, stock and barrel,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
“What I am saying is we are looking at the unsolicited but that does not mean that it would be the one. We are also eyeing if it can be solicited,” he said.
Tugade said the government and the private proponent are discussing details of the proposal.
“Up to what extent we will agree, I don’t know. We are still talking,” he said.
In an interview last October, Tugade said he intends to make the project a solicited proposal, wherein the contract would be auctioned amid an existing unsolicited proposal from MPIC that has already bagged an original proponent status (OPS).
This was further supported by Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, who in a separate interview, said the solicited route is the direction the DOTr is heading into for the MRT-3.
MPIC, in partnership with Ayala Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte Ltd., was granted OPS by the DOTr last year for its proposal to rehabilitate, operate, and maintain the MRT-3 for 30 years.
Being granted OPS gives MPIC the right to match an offer given by another group via a Swiss challenge.
The rehabilitation component, which was supposed to be part of MPIC’s unsolicited proposal, is now out of the equation as the DOTr announced that Japan’s Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is returning as the rehabilitation and maintenance service provider of the MRT-3.
MPIC’s proposed investment for its MRT-3 proposal is P20 billion and it includes a provision of no fare increase for at least two years.
The company has also offered to buy out the government’s stake held by Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines as well as other shareholders in Metro Rail Transit Corp. or the private owner of the train system.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/21/1878637/govt-revisits-mpic-bid-take-over-mrt-3
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Investment council to decide on 13 unsolicited proposals by 2019 —PPP Center
The Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) will decide on at least 13 unsolicited project proposals next year, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said Thursday.
The decision would simply revolve on which of the projects to drop, or pursue, PPP Executive Director Ferdinand Pecson said.
“We’d like to see the decision on these projects next year,” he told reporters in a press conference in Quezon City.
The unsolicited proposals include five airport projects, five rail projects, and three other projects in different sectors.
The five airport projects include:
Meanwhile, the five rail projects include:
The three other projects are:
“We are looking at next year na for those projects. Ang pinaka-advanced is ‘yung Bulacan (International Airport),” said Pecson.
San Miguel has proposed to put up an airport on a 2,500-hectare land area in Bulacan with a passenger capacity of 100 million a year.
Once approved by the committee, the government and the private partner will then negotiate the terms of the project.
As an unsolicited proposal, the airport project will be subject to a Swiss Challenge—inviting other firms to make competing offers, while giving the original proponent the right to match the competition. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/678890/investment-council-to-decide-on-13-unsolicited-proposals-by-2019-ppp-center/story/
The decision would simply revolve on which of the projects to drop, or pursue, PPP Executive Director Ferdinand Pecson said.
“We’d like to see the decision on these projects next year,” he told reporters in a press conference in Quezon City.
The unsolicited proposals include five airport projects, five rail projects, and three other projects in different sectors.
The five airport projects include:
- Bulacan International Airport Project of San Miguel Holdings Corp.
- Mactan Cebu International Airport Integrated Development Project of GMR-Megawide
- Operation and maintenance, and expansion of Davao Airport by Chealsea Logistics Holdings Corp.
- Operations and maintenance, and expansion of Kalibo Airport by Mega7 Construction Corp.
- Operations and maintenance, and expansion of Bohol International Airport by Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
Meanwhile, the five rail projects include:
- Davao Monorail Project of Udenna Corp.
- East-West Rail project of East-West Rail Transit Corp.
- Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 10 of C5 Mass Transit Corp. Ltd.
- Fort Bonifacio-Makati Sky Train of Infracorp Development Inc.
- Modified Light Rail Transit Line 6 (LRT-6) Project of Prime Asset Ventures Inc.
The three other projects are:
- IT Project for LGU City of Naga by Cylis Technologies Inc.
- Preservation and Development of Laguna de Bay Project by San Miguel Holdings Corp.
- Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control Project by the Coastal Development Consortium
“We are looking at next year na for those projects. Ang pinaka-advanced is ‘yung Bulacan (International Airport),” said Pecson.
San Miguel has proposed to put up an airport on a 2,500-hectare land area in Bulacan with a passenger capacity of 100 million a year.
Once approved by the committee, the government and the private partner will then negotiate the terms of the project.
As an unsolicited proposal, the airport project will be subject to a Swiss Challenge—inviting other firms to make competing offers, while giving the original proponent the right to match the competition. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/678890/investment-council-to-decide-on-13-unsolicited-proposals-by-2019-ppp-center/story/
Monday, December 17, 2018
Gov’t, Mitsubishi-Sumitomo team to sign MRT 3 deal soon
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is readying the signing of a contract that will pave the way for the return of the original Japanese maintenance providers in the busy Metro Rail Transit Line 3 in Metro Manila.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters last week that the target signing date was within the next two weeks, or before the end of 2018.
With the Japanese group led by Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which handled the maintenance of MRT3 during the first 12 years of its operations, the DOTr hopes to restore the aging system back to its original design condition and capacity.
“It’s more or less agreed upon, the return of Sumitomo,” Tugade told reporters on the sidelines of the blessing of the new Maritime Industry Authority headquarters in the Manila port area.
He said rehabilitation would cover all major aspects—its trains, signaling system and maintenance.
Last Nov. 7, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed an “exchange of notes” for the contract’s loan agreement.
According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the loan provision will amount to a maximum of 38.1 billion yen or about P18 billion.
The interest rate was set at 0.1 percent a year payable in 28 years after a grace period of 12 years.
The DOTr previously said the rehabilitation and maintenance contract would run for 43 months.
The MRT-3, which began operations in 1999, is a 17-kilometer system that traverses the busy Edsa road. It is one of Metro Manila’s three elevated trains, the two others being the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and the LRT-2.
The Sumitomo-Mitsubishi tandem was replaced in 2012, or two years into the previous Aquino administration, which mainly balked at the high maintenance fees.
Experts believed the condition of the MRT-3 deteriorated faster when the Mitsubishi-Sumitomo contract was not renewed and the then Department of Transportation and Communications tapped other providers. This included Filipino-Korean venture Busan Universal Rail Inc., whose selection eventually led to the filing of graft charges against public officials from the previous administration.
https://business.inquirer.net/262303/govt-mitsubishi-sumitomo-team-to-sign-mrt-3-deal-soon
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters last week that the target signing date was within the next two weeks, or before the end of 2018.
With the Japanese group led by Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which handled the maintenance of MRT3 during the first 12 years of its operations, the DOTr hopes to restore the aging system back to its original design condition and capacity.
“It’s more or less agreed upon, the return of Sumitomo,” Tugade told reporters on the sidelines of the blessing of the new Maritime Industry Authority headquarters in the Manila port area.
He said rehabilitation would cover all major aspects—its trains, signaling system and maintenance.
Last Nov. 7, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed an “exchange of notes” for the contract’s loan agreement.
According to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the loan provision will amount to a maximum of 38.1 billion yen or about P18 billion.
The interest rate was set at 0.1 percent a year payable in 28 years after a grace period of 12 years.
The DOTr previously said the rehabilitation and maintenance contract would run for 43 months.
The MRT-3, which began operations in 1999, is a 17-kilometer system that traverses the busy Edsa road. It is one of Metro Manila’s three elevated trains, the two others being the Light Rail Transit Line 1 and the LRT-2.
The Sumitomo-Mitsubishi tandem was replaced in 2012, or two years into the previous Aquino administration, which mainly balked at the high maintenance fees.
Experts believed the condition of the MRT-3 deteriorated faster when the Mitsubishi-Sumitomo contract was not renewed and the then Department of Transportation and Communications tapped other providers. This included Filipino-Korean venture Busan Universal Rail Inc., whose selection eventually led to the filing of graft charges against public officials from the previous administration.
https://business.inquirer.net/262303/govt-mitsubishi-sumitomo-team-to-sign-mrt-3-deal-soon
Sunday, December 16, 2018
DOTr pursues various transpo projects to tackle PH traffic woes
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has implemented various transportation projects this year aimed at ensuring ease of travel among commuters and improving the traffic situation in the country.
These projects are part of the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration, which aims to build vital infrastructures seeking to provide connectivity in various areas of the country to promote economic growth and decongest Metro Manila.
In November 5, the agency inaugurated the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which is the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila.
The facility will serve as transfer point between provincial buses of Cavite and Batangas, as well as in-city modes of transportation.
It will also provide interconnectivity between different transport modes and services that will ensure efficient and seamless travel for commuters.
Located along the Coastal Road, the PITX is expected to reduce the number of provincial buses plying Metro Manila, specifically on Taft Avenue-Pasay and Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa).
“So, I am impressed, I am proud na ginawa nila itong magandang (that they built this beautiful) structure. And it will serve the Filipino and that is what’s very important to me,” President Rodrigo Duterte said when he graced the inauguration rites.
“As the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila, PITX is a landmark project -- a 'landport' that feels and functions like an airport,” he added.
PITX will have world-class facilities like those of an airport such as departure and arrival areas and baggage handling facilities that can accommodate over 100,000 passengers per day.
It also has automated ticketing and bus monitoring systems and multiple terminals for bus, jeepney, UV express, taxis and transport network services.
Buses coming from provinces near Metro Manila must pass through the terminal to pick up and drop off passengers.
“All buses will utilize PITX,” DOTr officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
However, the DOTr has issued Department Order 2018-025, which converted the franchises of buses in selected areas in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna into city operations not to end their routes at PITX and directly traverse through Metro Manila.
These buses operate along commuter routes within the Greater Manila Area which have high passenger demand.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has likewise allowed 60 additional buses traversing the following routes: PITX to Ayala via Buendia in Makati City; PITX to NAIA Airport Loop; PITX to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and PITX to Plaza Lawton in Manila to address passenger demand for transportation going to Metro Manila.
It has also issued special permits to 500 UV Express units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Bacoor to PITX via Molino as well as 40 jeepney units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Dasmarinas to PITX via Aguinaldo Highway.
The DOTr has assured that it will conduct a review on the operations of PITX to address concerns on the lack of available transport to ferry passengers to and from the terminal.
More terminals
Meanwhile, the department has conducted last January the groundbreaking of the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange (ITX) which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Edsa.
Taguig ITX is projected to accommodate 4,000 buses and 160,000 passengers per day. It will likewise feature a pedestrian walkway connecting to the PNR FTI station and the proposed Mega Manila subway system.
The DOTr is also eyeing to construct the North Integrated Terminal Exchange in Bocaue, Bulacan which will serve as a stop for buses coming from the provinces along the northern part of Metro Manila.
The department is likewise pushing for the implementation of an integrated transport system (ITS) to address the traffic congestion in Metro Cebu.
The system will include various transportation modes such as a bus rapid transit system; point to point bus system; a monorail in Lapu-Lapu City, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines from Carcar to Danao and the Mandaue to Airport Line.
“The ITS was developed after due consideration of Metro Cebu’s road profile, and the fast-growing need of efficient mass transport systems in bigger, interconnected cities. Habang papaunlad ang ating mga lungsod ay kailangan din nating tugunan ang pangangailangan para sa mas episyente na pampublikong transportasyon (As our cities progress, we need to address the need for an efficient public transportation)," Tugade said in a statement last July.
Under the transport plan, a Common Station is being considered in two areas: a coastal district and a city center.
Passengers will be ushered to an interlink terminal where connecting transit systems of all the components (bus-to-LRT, bus-to-BRT, or BRT-to-LRT) are located.
The DOTr aims to achieve partial operability of the multi-modal transport system within the next one and a half to two years.
“Once implemented, Cebu will become beautiful and more livable. The ITS will encourage interoperability and interconnectivity of land, air, and sea transportation,” according to Tugade.
MRT rehab, other railway projects
A major achievement for the railway sector this year is the signing of the PHP18-billion loan agreement between the Philippines and Japan for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) last November 8.
The loan agreement covers the repair and maintenance of the MRT-3’s electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, and depot equipment and the overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3. The consortium signed and built the railway system from 1998 to 2000 and maintained the system from 2000 to 2012.
“Transition is already ongoing up to December; the full mobilization will be by January,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in an earlier interview to the PNA.
The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.
Meanwhile, the MRT has deployed the initial set of trains that were purchased from Chinese firm CRRC Dalian.
The first train set which consists of three cars was deployed to the MRT line last October while another train set was deployed this December.
A total of 48 Dalian light rail vehicles were delivered to the country in 2016 but were not deployed to the MRT line due to compatibility issues. Supplier CCRC Dalian eventually agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains.
The Dalian trains must first undergo the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before these are deployed during peak hours of the MRT-3's operations, according to the DOTr.
Unloading incidents in the railway system have declined to 56 from January to November this year compared to 440 and 562 for the same period in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The MRT management attributed this to the ongoing maintenance works on the MRT and the delivery of vital spare parts.
The MRT-3 currently runs an average of 15 trains daily with headway time of seven minutes serving around 300,000 passengers.
The DOTr has likewise said that the construction for the Metro Manila Subway is slated to begin next year and have its partial operability by 2022.
The subway system aims to have partial operations in three stations: North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, and Tandang Sora with its full operations in 2025.
Last March, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed a loan agreement for the subway project with the initial tranche amounting to 104.53 billion yen or roughly PHP49.45 billion.
The first phase of the 25-km underground railway, which has an estimated cost of PHP356.96 billion, will have a total of 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.
The succeeding phases will involve extending the subway system to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The department has also awarded the project management consultancy contract for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Rail Project to the China Railway Design Corp. (CRDC) and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. (WACC) last November 17.
The railway project would be financed through the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from the government of China.
The CRDC-WACC Consortium will conduct all pre-construction surveys (topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, parcellary, environmental, etc.), preparation of designs for bidding, preparation of bidding documents, bidding assistance, construction supervision, and defects liability period (warranty) supervision.
The 639-kilometer PNR Bicol Project covering Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon is expected to be partially operational by 2022.
Furthermore, the Philippines and Japan have signed an exchange of notes over the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project last November.
The NSCR Extension Project will be financed through an ODA loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank.
The railway project which has a total cost of PHP 777.75 billion, will integrate the PNR Clark Phase 1 from Tutuban to Malolos, PNR Clark Phase 2 from Malolos to Clark International Airport and from PNR Solis to Calamba. It will consist of 36 stations and a double-track elevated railway system that will connect the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon; and enable seamless transfer of passengers with the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Mega Manila Subway.
Dev't of regional airports
The DOTr is also pursuing the development of airports outside Metro Manila to decongest NAIA, which has recorded around 42 million passengers -- exceeding its capacity of just 31 million passengers.
The department is eyeing to utilize Clark International Airport as an alternative gateway to the country.
Its new passenger terminal building which broke ground on December last year was awarded to the consortium of Megawide and GMR Infrastructure.
The new terminal is expected to accommodate up to 8 million passengers per year.
Meanwhile, a consortium between Singapore’s Changi Airport and local conglomerates JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Development Corp will likely secure the operations and maintenance of Clark Airport, according to Tugade.
The bidder, known as North Luzon Airport Consortium, emerged as the sole qualified group after the only other challenger, dubbed X-Droid Consortium, was disqualified during the bidding which was conducted last November.
The consortium that will bag the O&M contract shall manage and operate Clark airport’s existing terminal and the New Terminal Building according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) who is in charge of the implementation of the project.
The BCDA is targeting to award the project, a so-called hybrid Public Private Partnership project with a 25-year concession.
The DOTr is also seen to award two key airport projects in Bulacan and Manila by early 2019.
These projects namely San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) P800-billion international airport in Bulacan province and NAIA Consortium’s PHP102-billion offer to modernize and operate NAIA had yet to be cleared by the Investment Coordination Committee of the NEDA (NEDA-ICC), according to the department.
The approval of the NEDA-ICC will be followed by the approval of the NEDA Board, which is chaired by President Duterte. As unsolicited proposals, the final step is a bidding process known as Swiss Challenge, which requires at least 60 days.
NAIA Consortium and SMC were awarded the original proponent status for their respective projects.
NAIA Consortium’s members are Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia Emerging Dragon, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Its technical partner is Changi Airports International.
The consortium’s proposal to rehabilitate NAIA involves the expansion and interconnection of the existing NAIA terminals, upgrade of airside facilities,
development of commercial facilities to ensure efficient airline and airport operations, enhancing passenger comfort and experience, and elevating the status of NAIA as the country's premier international gateway.
On the other hand, SMC is planning a brand-new airport in Bulakan, Bulacan that will have as many as six parallel runways and a capacity of over 100 million passengers yearly.
Currently, there are 13 domestic airports and 12 international airports across the country that are either completed or have ongoing improvements and upgrades, according to the DOTr.
The department has also completed the night-rating of 20 out of 42 airports, making them capable of handling nighttime flights.
Maritime industry dev't program
The DOTr, together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), reopened the Davao to Manila passenger shipping route last October 28.
The shipping route is envisioned to enhance connectivity and mobility between Luzon and Mindanao, providing people more travel options and lowering the prices of goods and commodities through the access of freight containers traveling from Davao to Manila and vice versa.
The MARINA has completed the formulation of its projects to be implemented under the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP), which aims to establish a safe and modernized maritime sector in the country.
The priority programs to be implemented under the MIDP are the upgrading of domestic shipping in support of the nautical highway development; development of shipping services for maritime tourism; development of Coastal and Inland Waterways Transport (CIWT) system; strengthening of safety standards of Philippine Registered Fishing Vessels; development of global maritime hub; enhancement of maritime safety in the Philippines; modernization of maritime security in the Philippines, and the establishment of a maritime innovation and knowledge center.
The 10-year MIDP seeks to achieve a nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime industry through developing and supporting an organizational culture and practice of leading in maritime education, innovation, technology, and sustainability.
A major initiative being pursued under the MIDP is the modernization of domestic ships such as turning wooden-hulled motor bancas into either steel, aluminum, or fiberglass boats. It also involves strengthening of the capability of local shipyards and promoting the development of locally-made ships.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056817
These projects are part of the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration, which aims to build vital infrastructures seeking to provide connectivity in various areas of the country to promote economic growth and decongest Metro Manila.
In November 5, the agency inaugurated the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), which is the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila.
The facility will serve as transfer point between provincial buses of Cavite and Batangas, as well as in-city modes of transportation.
It will also provide interconnectivity between different transport modes and services that will ensure efficient and seamless travel for commuters.
Located along the Coastal Road, the PITX is expected to reduce the number of provincial buses plying Metro Manila, specifically on Taft Avenue-Pasay and Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa).
“So, I am impressed, I am proud na ginawa nila itong magandang (that they built this beautiful) structure. And it will serve the Filipino and that is what’s very important to me,” President Rodrigo Duterte said when he graced the inauguration rites.
“As the first integrated and multi-modal terminal in the southwestern part of Metro Manila, PITX is a landmark project -- a 'landport' that feels and functions like an airport,” he added.
PITX will have world-class facilities like those of an airport such as departure and arrival areas and baggage handling facilities that can accommodate over 100,000 passengers per day.
It also has automated ticketing and bus monitoring systems and multiple terminals for bus, jeepney, UV express, taxis and transport network services.
Buses coming from provinces near Metro Manila must pass through the terminal to pick up and drop off passengers.
“All buses will utilize PITX,” DOTr officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
However, the DOTr has issued Department Order 2018-025, which converted the franchises of buses in selected areas in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna into city operations not to end their routes at PITX and directly traverse through Metro Manila.
These buses operate along commuter routes within the Greater Manila Area which have high passenger demand.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has likewise allowed 60 additional buses traversing the following routes: PITX to Ayala via Buendia in Makati City; PITX to NAIA Airport Loop; PITX to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and PITX to Plaza Lawton in Manila to address passenger demand for transportation going to Metro Manila.
It has also issued special permits to 500 UV Express units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Bacoor to PITX via Molino as well as 40 jeepney units with routes from Paliparan to PITX via Molino and Dasmarinas to PITX via Aguinaldo Highway.
The DOTr has assured that it will conduct a review on the operations of PITX to address concerns on the lack of available transport to ferry passengers to and from the terminal.
More terminals
Meanwhile, the department has conducted last January the groundbreaking of the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange (ITX) which is expected to ease traffic congestion in Edsa.
Taguig ITX is projected to accommodate 4,000 buses and 160,000 passengers per day. It will likewise feature a pedestrian walkway connecting to the PNR FTI station and the proposed Mega Manila subway system.
The DOTr is also eyeing to construct the North Integrated Terminal Exchange in Bocaue, Bulacan which will serve as a stop for buses coming from the provinces along the northern part of Metro Manila.
The department is likewise pushing for the implementation of an integrated transport system (ITS) to address the traffic congestion in Metro Cebu.
The system will include various transportation modes such as a bus rapid transit system; point to point bus system; a monorail in Lapu-Lapu City, and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines from Carcar to Danao and the Mandaue to Airport Line.
“The ITS was developed after due consideration of Metro Cebu’s road profile, and the fast-growing need of efficient mass transport systems in bigger, interconnected cities. Habang papaunlad ang ating mga lungsod ay kailangan din nating tugunan ang pangangailangan para sa mas episyente na pampublikong transportasyon (As our cities progress, we need to address the need for an efficient public transportation)," Tugade said in a statement last July.
Under the transport plan, a Common Station is being considered in two areas: a coastal district and a city center.
Passengers will be ushered to an interlink terminal where connecting transit systems of all the components (bus-to-LRT, bus-to-BRT, or BRT-to-LRT) are located.
The DOTr aims to achieve partial operability of the multi-modal transport system within the next one and a half to two years.
“Once implemented, Cebu will become beautiful and more livable. The ITS will encourage interoperability and interconnectivity of land, air, and sea transportation,” according to Tugade.
MRT rehab, other railway projects
A major achievement for the railway sector this year is the signing of the PHP18-billion loan agreement between the Philippines and Japan for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) last November 8.
The loan agreement covers the repair and maintenance of the MRT-3’s electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, and depot equipment and the overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will take over the rehabilitation and maintenance of MRT-3. The consortium signed and built the railway system from 1998 to 2000 and maintained the system from 2000 to 2012.
“Transition is already ongoing up to December; the full mobilization will be by January,” DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said in an earlier interview to the PNA.
The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.
Meanwhile, the MRT has deployed the initial set of trains that were purchased from Chinese firm CRRC Dalian.
The first train set which consists of three cars was deployed to the MRT line last October while another train set was deployed this December.
A total of 48 Dalian light rail vehicles were delivered to the country in 2016 but were not deployed to the MRT line due to compatibility issues. Supplier CCRC Dalian eventually agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains.
The Dalian trains must first undergo the 1,000-kilometer test run for 150 hours before these are deployed during peak hours of the MRT-3's operations, according to the DOTr.
Unloading incidents in the railway system have declined to 56 from January to November this year compared to 440 and 562 for the same period in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The MRT management attributed this to the ongoing maintenance works on the MRT and the delivery of vital spare parts.
The MRT-3 currently runs an average of 15 trains daily with headway time of seven minutes serving around 300,000 passengers.
The DOTr has likewise said that the construction for the Metro Manila Subway is slated to begin next year and have its partial operability by 2022.
The subway system aims to have partial operations in three stations: North Avenue, Mindanao Avenue, and Tandang Sora with its full operations in 2025.
Last March, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed a loan agreement for the subway project with the initial tranche amounting to 104.53 billion yen or roughly PHP49.45 billion.
The first phase of the 25-km underground railway, which has an estimated cost of PHP356.96 billion, will have a total of 14 stations from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.
The succeeding phases will involve extending the subway system to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Dasmariñas, Cavite.
The department has also awarded the project management consultancy contract for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Rail Project to the China Railway Design Corp. (CRDC) and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. (WACC) last November 17.
The railway project would be financed through the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from the government of China.
The CRDC-WACC Consortium will conduct all pre-construction surveys (topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, parcellary, environmental, etc.), preparation of designs for bidding, preparation of bidding documents, bidding assistance, construction supervision, and defects liability period (warranty) supervision.
The 639-kilometer PNR Bicol Project covering Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon is expected to be partially operational by 2022.
Furthermore, the Philippines and Japan have signed an exchange of notes over the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project last November.
The NSCR Extension Project will be financed through an ODA loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank.
The railway project which has a total cost of PHP 777.75 billion, will integrate the PNR Clark Phase 1 from Tutuban to Malolos, PNR Clark Phase 2 from Malolos to Clark International Airport and from PNR Solis to Calamba. It will consist of 36 stations and a double-track elevated railway system that will connect the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Calabarzon; and enable seamless transfer of passengers with the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), LRT-2, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and the Mega Manila Subway.
Dev't of regional airports
The DOTr is also pursuing the development of airports outside Metro Manila to decongest NAIA, which has recorded around 42 million passengers -- exceeding its capacity of just 31 million passengers.
The department is eyeing to utilize Clark International Airport as an alternative gateway to the country.
Its new passenger terminal building which broke ground on December last year was awarded to the consortium of Megawide and GMR Infrastructure.
The new terminal is expected to accommodate up to 8 million passengers per year.
Meanwhile, a consortium between Singapore’s Changi Airport and local conglomerates JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Filinvest Development Corp will likely secure the operations and maintenance of Clark Airport, according to Tugade.
The bidder, known as North Luzon Airport Consortium, emerged as the sole qualified group after the only other challenger, dubbed X-Droid Consortium, was disqualified during the bidding which was conducted last November.
The consortium that will bag the O&M contract shall manage and operate Clark airport’s existing terminal and the New Terminal Building according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) who is in charge of the implementation of the project.
The BCDA is targeting to award the project, a so-called hybrid Public Private Partnership project with a 25-year concession.
The DOTr is also seen to award two key airport projects in Bulacan and Manila by early 2019.
These projects namely San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) P800-billion international airport in Bulacan province and NAIA Consortium’s PHP102-billion offer to modernize and operate NAIA had yet to be cleared by the Investment Coordination Committee of the NEDA (NEDA-ICC), according to the department.
The approval of the NEDA-ICC will be followed by the approval of the NEDA Board, which is chaired by President Duterte. As unsolicited proposals, the final step is a bidding process known as Swiss Challenge, which requires at least 60 days.
NAIA Consortium and SMC were awarded the original proponent status for their respective projects.
NAIA Consortium’s members are Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia Emerging Dragon, Filinvest Development Corp., JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Its technical partner is Changi Airports International.
The consortium’s proposal to rehabilitate NAIA involves the expansion and interconnection of the existing NAIA terminals, upgrade of airside facilities,
development of commercial facilities to ensure efficient airline and airport operations, enhancing passenger comfort and experience, and elevating the status of NAIA as the country's premier international gateway.
On the other hand, SMC is planning a brand-new airport in Bulakan, Bulacan that will have as many as six parallel runways and a capacity of over 100 million passengers yearly.
Currently, there are 13 domestic airports and 12 international airports across the country that are either completed or have ongoing improvements and upgrades, according to the DOTr.
The department has also completed the night-rating of 20 out of 42 airports, making them capable of handling nighttime flights.
Maritime industry dev't program
The DOTr, together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), reopened the Davao to Manila passenger shipping route last October 28.
The shipping route is envisioned to enhance connectivity and mobility between Luzon and Mindanao, providing people more travel options and lowering the prices of goods and commodities through the access of freight containers traveling from Davao to Manila and vice versa.
The MARINA has completed the formulation of its projects to be implemented under the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Program (MIDP), which aims to establish a safe and modernized maritime sector in the country.
The priority programs to be implemented under the MIDP are the upgrading of domestic shipping in support of the nautical highway development; development of shipping services for maritime tourism; development of Coastal and Inland Waterways Transport (CIWT) system; strengthening of safety standards of Philippine Registered Fishing Vessels; development of global maritime hub; enhancement of maritime safety in the Philippines; modernization of maritime security in the Philippines, and the establishment of a maritime innovation and knowledge center.
The 10-year MIDP seeks to achieve a nationally integrated and globally competitive maritime industry through developing and supporting an organizational culture and practice of leading in maritime education, innovation, technology, and sustainability.
A major initiative being pursued under the MIDP is the modernization of domestic ships such as turning wooden-hulled motor bancas into either steel, aluminum, or fiberglass boats. It also involves strengthening of the capability of local shipyards and promoting the development of locally-made ships.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056817
Quiapo Fiesta: Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities, Procession Route, Traffic Advisory and More
The year is coming to an end and come January 9, 2019, devotees will flock to Quiapo for the annual Traslacion. This religious event is celebrated by devout Catholics especially with the belief that the image of the Black Nazarene can help them cure their illnesses. According to the administrators of the Church of the Black Nazarene, they will put life-sized replicas of the Black Nazarene in different stations.
The centuries-old Black Nazarene is hard to reach during this time because of the many people who come to the feast that’s why the church administrators decided to put the replicas at different stations. This is also to avoid congestion where people get hurt during the procession due to millions of devotees who participate in the traslacion each year.
Drones will be allowed next year to fly through the route of the processions if they meet the requirements of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Drone operators are also required to be accompanied by police officers. The route of the Traslacion next year is the same as this year’s.
How to Get to Quiapo Church
Quezon Boulevard, the main road to Quiapo Church, will not be passable during the Quiapo Fiesta. The best way to reach the church is by using LRT 1 or LRT 2.
Via LRT 1 – Get off at the Recto Station near Isetann Mall then walk towards the church from Claro M. Recto.
Via LRT 2 – Get off at the Carriedo or Central Station then walk towards the Quiapo Church.
Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities
On January 9, 2019, the procession is expected to leave the Luneta Grandstand around 6 am and would bring back the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. The procession is expected to last for 12 hours.
2019 Feast Crowd Route
Here is the proposed Feast 2019 procession route:
Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park)
left to Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos Street
left to Taft Avenue thru Jones Bridge
right to Dasmariñas Street
right to Plaza Sta. Cruz Street
left to Carlos Palanca Street thru under Quezon Bridge
left to Quezon Boulevard
right to Arlegui Street
right to Fraternal Street
right to Vergara Street
left to Duque de Alba Street
left to Castillejos Street
left to Farnecio Street
right to Arlegui Street
left to Nepomuceno Street
left to Concepcion Aguila Street
right to Carcer Street
right to Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen
left to Bilibid Viejo thru Gil Puyat
left to J.P. De Guzman Street
right to Hidalgo Street
left to Barbosa Street (Bautista Street)
right to Globo de Oro Street thru under Quezon Bridge
right to Palanca Street
right to Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda and to Quiapo Church
Alternate Routes during 2019 Celebration
To be announced
The centuries-old Black Nazarene is hard to reach during this time because of the many people who come to the feast that’s why the church administrators decided to put the replicas at different stations. This is also to avoid congestion where people get hurt during the procession due to millions of devotees who participate in the traslacion each year.
Drones will be allowed next year to fly through the route of the processions if they meet the requirements of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Drone operators are also required to be accompanied by police officers. The route of the Traslacion next year is the same as this year’s.
How to Get to Quiapo Church
Quezon Boulevard, the main road to Quiapo Church, will not be passable during the Quiapo Fiesta. The best way to reach the church is by using LRT 1 or LRT 2.
Via LRT 1 – Get off at the Recto Station near Isetann Mall then walk towards the church from Claro M. Recto.
Via LRT 2 – Get off at the Carriedo or Central Station then walk towards the Quiapo Church.
Feast of the Black Nazarene 2019 Schedule of Activities
On January 9, 2019, the procession is expected to leave the Luneta Grandstand around 6 am and would bring back the image of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. The procession is expected to last for 12 hours.
2019 Feast Crowd Route
Here is the proposed Feast 2019 procession route:
Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park)
left to Katigbak Drive thru Padre Burgos Street
left to Taft Avenue thru Jones Bridge
right to Dasmariñas Street
right to Plaza Sta. Cruz Street
left to Carlos Palanca Street thru under Quezon Bridge
left to Quezon Boulevard
right to Arlegui Street
right to Fraternal Street
right to Vergara Street
left to Duque de Alba Street
left to Castillejos Street
left to Farnecio Street
right to Arlegui Street
left to Nepomuceno Street
left to Concepcion Aguila Street
right to Carcer Street
right to Hidalgo thru Plaza del Carmen
left to Bilibid Viejo thru Gil Puyat
left to J.P. De Guzman Street
right to Hidalgo Street
left to Barbosa Street (Bautista Street)
right to Globo de Oro Street thru under Quezon Bridge
right to Palanca Street
right to Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda and to Quiapo Church
Alternate Routes during 2019 Celebration
To be announced
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Speaking of L2 BGM:
"As posted in Pinoy Joyride:
We can massively improve this by adopting what we see in other countries:
- including station numbers (for ex. L2 is now what, the Purple Line? BGM can be [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte)
- include next station in small font saturation 50% - current station (highlighted in bold) immediate past station in small font saturation 50% with directional arrows
ex: ← [P08] Gilmore [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte ← [P06] Araneta Center Cubao
We can massively improve this by adopting what we see in other countries:
- including station numbers (for ex. L2 is now what, the Purple Line? BGM can be [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte)
- include next station in small font saturation 50% - current station (highlighted in bold) immediate past station in small font saturation 50% with directional arrows
ex: ← [P08] Gilmore [P07] - Betty Go Belmonte ← [P06] Araneta Center Cubao
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Makati holds groundbreaking ceremony for first intra-city train system in PH
THE Makati City government on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would pave the way for the construction of the first intra-city mass transit in the country.
The P185-billion Public Rail Transport (PRT) is a joint venture between Makati and the Philippine InfraDev Holdings Inc., a consortium of local and foreign investors, which will ensure and maintain operations and serve as a control hub for 30 years.
Lawyer Michael Camiña said the PRT would run through 10 stations along Ayala Avenue near the Bureau of Fire Protection, Circuit Mall, Makati City Hall, Guadalupe Village and city-run Ospital ng Makati.
Mayor Abby Binay, who led the groundbreaking on Wednesday, promised to have the project done by 2023.
“I believe the Makati Subway will be a very valuable legacy, and I am fully committed to its timely completion and operation. It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” Binay said.
Binay added that the intra-city subway system was expected to create about 6,000 new jobs during its construction and its operations in 2024.
Once completed, the subway system will be able to serve up to 27,000 passengers per hour and per direction on an interval of three to six minutes between trains on the first year, with 12 operational trains.
The subway system will have two tracks, up to 10 underground stations, and air-conditioned coaches, which can accommodate 200 persons per car. The entire system spans 10 kilometers with a train yard, maintenance depot, and central command center at ground level.
Camiña said PRT was also prepared to accommodate as many as 40,500 passengers per hour during peak hours. The train system will run on an 18-hour operational cycle.
It will also be linked to ferry transport, interchanges to the existing MRT 3 line, as well as potential links to the future Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Metro Manila subway.
According to JICA’s congestion valuations, the Philippines will gain at least $600 million annually in gross domestic product (GDP)just for enhanced productivity.
Feasibility studies project 270,000 fewer cars in the streets of Makati by 2048, which Binay said would also decongest neighboring cities, particularly in major thoroughfares used by millions of commuters and motorists daily.
https://www.manilatimes.net/makati-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-first-intra-city-train-system-in-ph/481621/
The P185-billion Public Rail Transport (PRT) is a joint venture between Makati and the Philippine InfraDev Holdings Inc., a consortium of local and foreign investors, which will ensure and maintain operations and serve as a control hub for 30 years.
Lawyer Michael Camiña said the PRT would run through 10 stations along Ayala Avenue near the Bureau of Fire Protection, Circuit Mall, Makati City Hall, Guadalupe Village and city-run Ospital ng Makati.
Mayor Abby Binay, who led the groundbreaking on Wednesday, promised to have the project done by 2023.
“I believe the Makati Subway will be a very valuable legacy, and I am fully committed to its timely completion and operation. It will make a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents, and contribute significantly to the city’s sustainable development and economic growth,” Binay said.
Binay added that the intra-city subway system was expected to create about 6,000 new jobs during its construction and its operations in 2024.
NOW: Groundbreaking rites for the Public Railway Transport System here in Makati City Hall. @TheManilaTimes pic.twitter.com/LkhRrLQXP7
— Neil Servallos (@tmtnjservallos) December 12, 2018
Once completed, the subway system will be able to serve up to 27,000 passengers per hour and per direction on an interval of three to six minutes between trains on the first year, with 12 operational trains.
The subway system will have two tracks, up to 10 underground stations, and air-conditioned coaches, which can accommodate 200 persons per car. The entire system spans 10 kilometers with a train yard, maintenance depot, and central command center at ground level.
Camiña said PRT was also prepared to accommodate as many as 40,500 passengers per hour during peak hours. The train system will run on an 18-hour operational cycle.
It will also be linked to ferry transport, interchanges to the existing MRT 3 line, as well as potential links to the future Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Metro Manila subway.
According to JICA’s congestion valuations, the Philippines will gain at least $600 million annually in gross domestic product (GDP)just for enhanced productivity.
Feasibility studies project 270,000 fewer cars in the streets of Makati by 2048, which Binay said would also decongest neighboring cities, particularly in major thoroughfares used by millions of commuters and motorists daily.
https://www.manilatimes.net/makati-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-first-intra-city-train-system-in-ph/481621/
MRT 3 reports 90% drop in unloading cases
Compared to the same period in 2016 and 2017, the number of unloading incidents reported this year by Metro Manila’s busiest light rail system, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, has dropped by around 80 to 90 percent.
According to data presented by the MRT 3 management, the cases of off-loading — in which passengers were forced to alight from a train due to disruptions in operations — went down to just 56 from January to November this year.
The figure was a marked improvement from the 440 and 562 incidents recorded during the same months in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
At least nine of the 56 unloading incidents happened in February when the number of functioning MRT 3 trains went down to a single digit.
11-minute wait
At 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, there were just seven operational trains, resulting in an 11-minute wait for passengers at the different stations.
Normally, the MRT 3 should have 15 trains running during rush hour and 12 trains at off-peak hours.
Due to the deterioration in services and the long wait in between trains, ridership was drastically affected.
In February, the MRT 3 ferried close to 259,000 passengers, a steep drop from its daily average of 463,000 passengers in 2017.
Things, however, improved in April as the number of operational trains went up once more to 15 with the arrival of much-needed spare parts.
The MRT 3’s longest glitch-free streak was 31 days until an electrical failure on Nov. 17 led to the off-loading of 650 passengers at Gil Puyat station.
The train system also recorded 17 instances of service interruptions that did not lead to the unloading of passengers.
Continuous maintenance
The MRT 3 management attributed the train system’s better performance to its staff’s continuous maintenance work.
However, the improvements could also be traced to the return of Sumitomo, the MRT 3’s original maintenance provider, for the implementation of a 43-month rehabilitation project.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062215/mrt-3-reports-90-drop-in-unloading-cases
According to data presented by the MRT 3 management, the cases of off-loading — in which passengers were forced to alight from a train due to disruptions in operations — went down to just 56 from January to November this year.
The figure was a marked improvement from the 440 and 562 incidents recorded during the same months in 2017 and 2016, respectively.
At least nine of the 56 unloading incidents happened in February when the number of functioning MRT 3 trains went down to a single digit.
11-minute wait
At 5 p.m. on Feb. 12, there were just seven operational trains, resulting in an 11-minute wait for passengers at the different stations.
Normally, the MRT 3 should have 15 trains running during rush hour and 12 trains at off-peak hours.
Due to the deterioration in services and the long wait in between trains, ridership was drastically affected.
In February, the MRT 3 ferried close to 259,000 passengers, a steep drop from its daily average of 463,000 passengers in 2017.
Things, however, improved in April as the number of operational trains went up once more to 15 with the arrival of much-needed spare parts.
The MRT 3’s longest glitch-free streak was 31 days until an electrical failure on Nov. 17 led to the off-loading of 650 passengers at Gil Puyat station.
The train system also recorded 17 instances of service interruptions that did not lead to the unloading of passengers.
Continuous maintenance
The MRT 3 management attributed the train system’s better performance to its staff’s continuous maintenance work.
However, the improvements could also be traced to the return of Sumitomo, the MRT 3’s original maintenance provider, for the implementation of a 43-month rehabilitation project.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062215/mrt-3-reports-90-drop-in-unloading-cases
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
MRT-3 rolls out second Dalian train
The second Dalian train hit the tracks of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday, nearly over a month after its first train set was rolled out.
MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message following the train update of the management.
“This is the 2nd train set undergoing 150 (hours) test,” Capati said.
At 10 a.m., the second train set of Dalian with three coaches was rolled out to the public and was used until 2 p.m.
Like the first train set, the second Dalian train would undergo a 150-hour test before it could fully be rolled out.
A 150-hour test takes around 33 revenue days.
The first set of Dalian, which was rolled out in October, has just finished its 150-hour battery test last Nov. 21
However, it was put back to the depot of the MRT-3 as the management awaits for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) report on its performance.
Aside from Sumitomo, MRT-3’s service provider, the PNR also supervised some parts of the Dalian trains during the battery test conducted.
Recently, Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public works committee, slammed the roll out of the Dalian train on the tracks of the MRT-3
According to Poe, one working Dalian train is nothing to be proud of given the length of the waiting time before the country rolled out a single train.
“People have been asking me: What can you say now that one of the Dalian trains is working? Eh ‘di masaya (Well, I’m happy),” Poe said during a forum.
“But remember this: we bought the trains in 2014. It’s 2018 now. Of the 16 trains, 48 coaches, only one train is running. Is this really something to be proud of?” she asked. /je
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062150/mrt-3-rolls-out-second-dalian-train
MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message following the train update of the management.
“This is the 2nd train set undergoing 150 (hours) test,” Capati said.
At 10 a.m., the second train set of Dalian with three coaches was rolled out to the public and was used until 2 p.m.
Like the first train set, the second Dalian train would undergo a 150-hour test before it could fully be rolled out.
A 150-hour test takes around 33 revenue days.
The first set of Dalian, which was rolled out in October, has just finished its 150-hour battery test last Nov. 21
However, it was put back to the depot of the MRT-3 as the management awaits for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) report on its performance.
Aside from Sumitomo, MRT-3’s service provider, the PNR also supervised some parts of the Dalian trains during the battery test conducted.
Recently, Senator Grace Poe, head of the Senate public works committee, slammed the roll out of the Dalian train on the tracks of the MRT-3
According to Poe, one working Dalian train is nothing to be proud of given the length of the waiting time before the country rolled out a single train.
“People have been asking me: What can you say now that one of the Dalian trains is working? Eh ‘di masaya (Well, I’m happy),” Poe said during a forum.
“But remember this: we bought the trains in 2014. It’s 2018 now. Of the 16 trains, 48 coaches, only one train is running. Is this really something to be proud of?” she asked. /je
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1062150/mrt-3-rolls-out-second-dalian-train
Friday, December 7, 2018
Katipunan Avenue extension takes off after almost 6 decades
After almost six decades on the drawing board, the Katipunan Ave. extension project that will ease traffic in the area going to Batasan and San Mateo, Rizal, will finally push through.
This, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar signed on behalf of DPWH, while Administrator Rey Velasco signed for MWSS.
The signing was held at the MWSS head office in Balara, Quezon City.
The project will cost PHP90 million. In an interview after the signing ceremony, Velasco said the road project was planned way back in 1960, but suffered many delays due to right-of-way problem, since many of the land areas are owned by private individuals.
Velasco said that after many negotiations failed over the years, the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “Build, Build Program” program finally was able to convince private owners, whose lands are affected by the road construction, to sell their properties.
Roselle Agustin of DPWH said the government bought the land ranging from as much as PHP9,900 to PHP40,000 per sq. meter, depending on the location of the land.
Agustin said the construction will last for 10 months.
With the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila, such as on Katipunan Ave. and Commonwealth Ave., both in Quezon City, Villar revived the road extension project, which has been in the doldrums for 58 years.
It aims to decongest traffic in the area, including the Batasan-San Mateo Road with a total length of 7.11 kilometers.
The extension will start at the corner of Katipunan Ave. and MWSS properties passing through Loyola Grand Villas, the properties owned by the Government Service Insurance System, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association, Inc., Capitol Homes, Vista Real Subdivision, and Filinvest Northview Subdivision with a total length of 5.76 km.
When the project will be completed in 10 months, traffic along Katipunan Ave. will be decongested, as well as along nearby major thoroughfares, not to mention the economic boom in these areas, Velasco said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056017
This, after the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday. Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar signed on behalf of DPWH, while Administrator Rey Velasco signed for MWSS.
The signing was held at the MWSS head office in Balara, Quezon City.
The project will cost PHP90 million. In an interview after the signing ceremony, Velasco said the road project was planned way back in 1960, but suffered many delays due to right-of-way problem, since many of the land areas are owned by private individuals.
Velasco said that after many negotiations failed over the years, the government under President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s “Build, Build Program” program finally was able to convince private owners, whose lands are affected by the road construction, to sell their properties.
Roselle Agustin of DPWH said the government bought the land ranging from as much as PHP9,900 to PHP40,000 per sq. meter, depending on the location of the land.
Agustin said the construction will last for 10 months.
With the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila, such as on Katipunan Ave. and Commonwealth Ave., both in Quezon City, Villar revived the road extension project, which has been in the doldrums for 58 years.
It aims to decongest traffic in the area, including the Batasan-San Mateo Road with a total length of 7.11 kilometers.
The extension will start at the corner of Katipunan Ave. and MWSS properties passing through Loyola Grand Villas, the properties owned by the Government Service Insurance System, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mutual Benefit Association, Inc., Capitol Homes, Vista Real Subdivision, and Filinvest Northview Subdivision with a total length of 5.76 km.
When the project will be completed in 10 months, traffic along Katipunan Ave. will be decongested, as well as along nearby major thoroughfares, not to mention the economic boom in these areas, Velasco said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056017
PNR South railway project to kick off next year: Salceda
LEGAZPI CITY -- Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said he is optimistic that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Rail Project covering Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon will be partially operational by 2022.
Salceda said the project update was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during a committee hearing on Tuesday. The DOTr also said the project would start by next year.
He said that once the project is completed, travel time from Manila to Sorsogon would only take six hours.
Salceda, in a statement, said a loan-signing agreement between the DOTr and China Export-Import Bank would take place this month.
He said the project cost was initially placed at PHP175 billion.
On Nov. 17 this year, the DOTr Project Management Consulting Service awarded the south railway project to the China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. of the Republic of China.
The project would be under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), where the People Republic of China (PRC) would be tasked to pursue the PNR commuter and “long haul” rail project covering 639 kilometers of rail tracks from Manila to Sorsogon.
Salceda said the south railway system will start from Manila and pass through Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and end at Matnog.
Under the agreement, the PRC would construct and develop the following: civil works, electro-mechanical system, rolling stock and consulting services while the government would take charge of land acquisition and resettlement of thousands of informal settlers affected by the project.
The DOTr reported that 85,000 families would be affected and have to be relocated once the project starts, Salceda said.
The DOTr is closely coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for relocation sites for the affected families. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056000
Salceda said the project update was issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during a committee hearing on Tuesday. The DOTr also said the project would start by next year.
He said that once the project is completed, travel time from Manila to Sorsogon would only take six hours.
Salceda, in a statement, said a loan-signing agreement between the DOTr and China Export-Import Bank would take place this month.
He said the project cost was initially placed at PHP175 billion.
On Nov. 17 this year, the DOTr Project Management Consulting Service awarded the south railway project to the China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Corp. of the Republic of China.
The project would be under the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), where the People Republic of China (PRC) would be tasked to pursue the PNR commuter and “long haul” rail project covering 639 kilometers of rail tracks from Manila to Sorsogon.
Salceda said the south railway system will start from Manila and pass through Batangas, Lucena, Naga, Legazpi, Sorsogon, and end at Matnog.
Under the agreement, the PRC would construct and develop the following: civil works, electro-mechanical system, rolling stock and consulting services while the government would take charge of land acquisition and resettlement of thousands of informal settlers affected by the project.
The DOTr reported that 85,000 families would be affected and have to be relocated once the project starts, Salceda said.
The DOTr is closely coordinating with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for relocation sites for the affected families. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1056000
Traffic concerns
The House finally passed on third and final reading the Traffic Emergency Powers bill that was frozen by former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. Current Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made good her promise to pass all of President Duterte’s priority bills.
I checked with Sen. Grace Poe on the status of the same measure in the Senate. She said their version is totally different and is in a period of interpellation.
Sen. Grace said their problem from the start was the failure of DOTr to provide a list of specific projects and plans. The senators do not want to give Sec Tugade blanket authority to procure without bidding. She also described as weird the proposal of Sec. Tugade to put cable cars on EDSA.
During interpellation in September last year, Sen. Ralph Recto said emergency powers may not be the solution to the traffic problem. Sen. Recto thinks the problem is more systemic or organizational… government’s lack of planning and lack of technical capability to implement.
Sen. Grace said she also asked President Duterte if he personally thought he needed the emergency powers. The President, Sen. Grace said, told her he doesn’t care because he can implement measures needed without emergency powers.
Senator Grace said the senators agreed with the President’s view. She also said they don’t want to give Sec Tugade blanket powers to implement projects without proper consultation like what happened with PITX.
Assuming Congress finally crafts an emergency powers bill acceptable to all, will it make a difference now?
Before the Duterte administration took office, I was part of a group that met with the then designated transport secretary to figure out what can be done to give the public some relief. We agreed that some amount of emergency powers is necessary to get the bureaucracy moving with one purpose in mind.
To Secretary Art Tugade’s credit, he did try to get some things going even without emergency power to show a difference in traffic flow, particularly in EDSA. But politics and turf protection proved too strong.
In one meeting, we found out that the MMDA and the PNP Highway Patrol Group don’t even share the same radio frequency. How can they coordinate? We also needed to get other agencies involved to move as one. The IACT or Inter Agency Committee on Traffic was organized. That’s where we are today.
Given the political resistance, the idea of passing the emergency powers bill was practically abandoned. I imagine Sec Tugade didn’t mind because it removed one big problem off his plate. But with the passage of the House bill, traffic is now Tugade’s responsibility again.
Under HB 6425, the DOTr secretary, as “alter ego” of the President, would have emergency powers for three years as traffic chief. He will have jurisdiction over the traffic in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City.
The transport secretary has the power to harmonize and enforce all traffic rules and regulations, implement a unified traffic system throughout each metropolitan area, and carry out priority projects which would have an ”immediate, significant, and measurable impact” on the traffic crisis. That sounds like too much bluster and promise that will deliver nothing much.
For now, we can only hope that the new MMDA chief traffic enforcer in EDSA, said to be a tough disciplinarian, will be able to produce palpable results. After all, a
UP traffic expert did say a few days ago that simple compliance to loading and unloading zones will show a marked improvement in traffic flow.
However, the stark reality of inadequate infrastructure and an ever rising number of vehicles on the road are the biggest problems. I doubt if the emergency traffic powers in the proposed law will let Secretary Tugade have what it takes to fasttrack infra projects to address the problem.
Indeed, Sen. Recto already pointed out that key to alleviating the traffic problems are three major road projects that must be completed: NLEX-SLEX connector road (MPIC); Road connecting to the port (MPIC); and NLEX-SLEX Skyway (San Miguel).
The Harbor road connected to NLEX had been completed. But the two NLEX-SLEX road and skyway projects are ongoing and delayed.
San Miguel’s NLEX-SLEX Skyway is supposed to take out as much as 50 percent of traffic from EDSA. It has been much delayed due to right of way problems.
I just checked and it seems the ROW problems aren’t over. Additionally, there are buildings along the route that prevents the rotation of the big concrete support slabs to their proper position.
Then there are the usual problems with utility lines and poles. It is expensive to move those poles and Meralco is not about to bear the cost. But DPWH insists it doesn’t have the funds too. Unless someone with authority fixes this problem, nothing much will move.
I recall that Ramon Ang told us the project would be delivered by the end of next year. It looks like first quarter 2020 is the more hopeful date.
One good news I heard is that the entire Luzon railway line from north to south will now be Japanese funded. The Chinese were supposed to take care of the line from Manila to Bicol.
Having just the Japanese take care of the entire system makes it simpler to operate. There will be just one point of responsibility specially for maintenance of tracks and rolling stock. I hope this information is correct.
Of course, having more trains run on MRT 3 will be a big help in convincing people with cars to take mass transport. If those Dalian trains can be used, why aren’t they using more of those trains?
If the President thinks he doesn’t need emergency powers because he has enough powers to fix our traffic mess, how come nothing much has happened yet?
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/07/1874768/traffic-concerns
I checked with Sen. Grace Poe on the status of the same measure in the Senate. She said their version is totally different and is in a period of interpellation.
Sen. Grace said their problem from the start was the failure of DOTr to provide a list of specific projects and plans. The senators do not want to give Sec Tugade blanket authority to procure without bidding. She also described as weird the proposal of Sec. Tugade to put cable cars on EDSA.
During interpellation in September last year, Sen. Ralph Recto said emergency powers may not be the solution to the traffic problem. Sen. Recto thinks the problem is more systemic or organizational… government’s lack of planning and lack of technical capability to implement.
Sen. Grace said she also asked President Duterte if he personally thought he needed the emergency powers. The President, Sen. Grace said, told her he doesn’t care because he can implement measures needed without emergency powers.
Senator Grace said the senators agreed with the President’s view. She also said they don’t want to give Sec Tugade blanket powers to implement projects without proper consultation like what happened with PITX.
Assuming Congress finally crafts an emergency powers bill acceptable to all, will it make a difference now?
Before the Duterte administration took office, I was part of a group that met with the then designated transport secretary to figure out what can be done to give the public some relief. We agreed that some amount of emergency powers is necessary to get the bureaucracy moving with one purpose in mind.
To Secretary Art Tugade’s credit, he did try to get some things going even without emergency power to show a difference in traffic flow, particularly in EDSA. But politics and turf protection proved too strong.
In one meeting, we found out that the MMDA and the PNP Highway Patrol Group don’t even share the same radio frequency. How can they coordinate? We also needed to get other agencies involved to move as one. The IACT or Inter Agency Committee on Traffic was organized. That’s where we are today.
Given the political resistance, the idea of passing the emergency powers bill was practically abandoned. I imagine Sec Tugade didn’t mind because it removed one big problem off his plate. But with the passage of the House bill, traffic is now Tugade’s responsibility again.
Under HB 6425, the DOTr secretary, as “alter ego” of the President, would have emergency powers for three years as traffic chief. He will have jurisdiction over the traffic in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao City.
The transport secretary has the power to harmonize and enforce all traffic rules and regulations, implement a unified traffic system throughout each metropolitan area, and carry out priority projects which would have an ”immediate, significant, and measurable impact” on the traffic crisis. That sounds like too much bluster and promise that will deliver nothing much.
For now, we can only hope that the new MMDA chief traffic enforcer in EDSA, said to be a tough disciplinarian, will be able to produce palpable results. After all, a
UP traffic expert did say a few days ago that simple compliance to loading and unloading zones will show a marked improvement in traffic flow.
However, the stark reality of inadequate infrastructure and an ever rising number of vehicles on the road are the biggest problems. I doubt if the emergency traffic powers in the proposed law will let Secretary Tugade have what it takes to fasttrack infra projects to address the problem.
Indeed, Sen. Recto already pointed out that key to alleviating the traffic problems are three major road projects that must be completed: NLEX-SLEX connector road (MPIC); Road connecting to the port (MPIC); and NLEX-SLEX Skyway (San Miguel).
The Harbor road connected to NLEX had been completed. But the two NLEX-SLEX road and skyway projects are ongoing and delayed.
San Miguel’s NLEX-SLEX Skyway is supposed to take out as much as 50 percent of traffic from EDSA. It has been much delayed due to right of way problems.
I just checked and it seems the ROW problems aren’t over. Additionally, there are buildings along the route that prevents the rotation of the big concrete support slabs to their proper position.
Then there are the usual problems with utility lines and poles. It is expensive to move those poles and Meralco is not about to bear the cost. But DPWH insists it doesn’t have the funds too. Unless someone with authority fixes this problem, nothing much will move.
I recall that Ramon Ang told us the project would be delivered by the end of next year. It looks like first quarter 2020 is the more hopeful date.
One good news I heard is that the entire Luzon railway line from north to south will now be Japanese funded. The Chinese were supposed to take care of the line from Manila to Bicol.
Having just the Japanese take care of the entire system makes it simpler to operate. There will be just one point of responsibility specially for maintenance of tracks and rolling stock. I hope this information is correct.
Of course, having more trains run on MRT 3 will be a big help in convincing people with cars to take mass transport. If those Dalian trains can be used, why aren’t they using more of those trains?
If the President thinks he doesn’t need emergency powers because he has enough powers to fix our traffic mess, how come nothing much has happened yet?
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/12/07/1874768/traffic-concerns
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Platform screen doors likely at new underground Metro stations
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is thinking of installing platform screen doors (PSDs) at Metro stations along upcoming underground sections.
PSDs act as barriers between the platform and the tracks and help prevent untoward incidents.
Metro rail corporations in Delhi and Chennai have already installed PSDs, which also keep platforms cooler by preventing the air generated by ACs from flowing into tunnels.
Installed in sync with Metro coach doors, PSDs open only after the train stops. Unlike other Metros in the country, Namma Metro has not recorded any untoward incident, except one in 2012 when a 17-year-old boy threw himself on the track at the MG Road station. Metro systems in foreign cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Paris too have PSDs.
BMRCL sources said they are now thinking of installing PSDs at underground stations in Phase 2 as well as crowded stations like Kempegowda (Majestic).
The move comes in the wake of rising footfall and difficulties in managing crowds at stations. The ridership of Namma Metro has seen a steady rise, with footfall touching the 4-lakh mark in a single day. These PSDs could also generate revenue as the panels can have advertisements.
BMRCL spokesperson BL Yeshwanth Chavan said they are thinking of setting up PSDs at 12 underground stations in Phase 2. “These PSDs will help reduce air-conditioning costs at underground stations. However, we have not taken a decision on installing them in the existing ones as they are expensive.”
According to BMRCL, the 72km Phase 2 is likely to be completed by 2023.
Many passengers welcomed the proposal. “It’s high time these glass screens are introduced, at least in crowded stations like Byappanahalli and Kempegowda (Majestic). Security guards at Metro stations find it difficult to manage the swelling crowd, particularly during peak hours. PSDs can prevent accidents, especially when stations are extremely crowded. They will make commuters feel more secured,” said Arun Kumar, a Metro user.
However, a BMRCL source said they are mainly looking at installing PSDs at underground stations. “Compared to the underground ones, elevated stations have enough space to handle crowds. Also, the elevated stations have no air-conditioning,” an official added.
PSDs act as barriers between the platform and the tracks and help prevent untoward incidents.
Metro rail corporations in Delhi and Chennai have already installed PSDs, which also keep platforms cooler by preventing the air generated by ACs from flowing into tunnels.
Installed in sync with Metro coach doors, PSDs open only after the train stops. Unlike other Metros in the country, Namma Metro has not recorded any untoward incident, except one in 2012 when a 17-year-old boy threw himself on the track at the MG Road station. Metro systems in foreign cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Paris too have PSDs.
BMRCL sources said they are now thinking of installing PSDs at underground stations in Phase 2 as well as crowded stations like Kempegowda (Majestic).
The move comes in the wake of rising footfall and difficulties in managing crowds at stations. The ridership of Namma Metro has seen a steady rise, with footfall touching the 4-lakh mark in a single day. These PSDs could also generate revenue as the panels can have advertisements.
BMRCL spokesperson BL Yeshwanth Chavan said they are thinking of setting up PSDs at 12 underground stations in Phase 2. “These PSDs will help reduce air-conditioning costs at underground stations. However, we have not taken a decision on installing them in the existing ones as they are expensive.”
According to BMRCL, the 72km Phase 2 is likely to be completed by 2023.
Many passengers welcomed the proposal. “It’s high time these glass screens are introduced, at least in crowded stations like Byappanahalli and Kempegowda (Majestic). Security guards at Metro stations find it difficult to manage the swelling crowd, particularly during peak hours. PSDs can prevent accidents, especially when stations are extremely crowded. They will make commuters feel more secured,” said Arun Kumar, a Metro user.
However, a BMRCL source said they are mainly looking at installing PSDs at underground stations. “Compared to the underground ones, elevated stations have enough space to handle crowds. Also, the elevated stations have no air-conditioning,” an official added.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
SC clears ex-Cavite Governor Maliksi, 2 others of graft charges
By Rey Panaligan
The Supreme Court (SC) has cleared former Cavite Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi and provincial accountant Doris J. Ensomo of the graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017 in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of land for the LRT-1 South Extension project.
In a resolution, the SC ruled that the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality on the part of Maliksi and Ensomo in the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation, broker’s commission, and capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax (DST).
Also cleared of graft charges, in effect, was Cynthia S. Montesclaros, attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners.
While the resolution was issued Sept. 26, 2018, it was made public only yesterday through a case summary released by the SC’s public information office (PIO)
The summary stated that “the Ombudsman did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance prohibiting the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation by a provincial government and enumerating the documentation required to support such expenditure.”
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019” (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), the PIO said quoting from the resolution.
Citing the Ombudsman’s findings, the PIO summary stated that “Cynthia S. Montesclaros, the attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners, received a broker’s commission when she was not a registered broker, citing R.A. No. 9646, otherwise known as the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (RESA), which states that only the duly licensed real estate broker shall be entitled to receive or demand a fee, commission, or compensation of any kind for any service rendered or work done in any real estate transaction.”
But the SC pointed out that RESA was enacted on June 29, 2009, while the deed of absolute sale executed between the province of Cavite and Montesclaros along with the subsequent disbursement vouchers (DV) were all dated and processed in January 2009.
“Clearly, at the time of the transaction in question, RESA was not yet in effect,” the SC said.
On the payment of capital gains tax and DST, the same summary stated that “the Ombudsman ruled that petitioners deliberately ignored the Tax Code’s provisions when they allowed the Province of Cavite to shoulder the capital gains tax and DST.”
However, the SC pointed out that unlike the tenants’ disturbance compensation and the broker’s commission, the Ombudsman did not specify whether the petitioners were guilty of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in effecting the payment of these taxes.
“The attendance of any one of the three modalities is an essential element of violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019. Thus, without mention of any of the three modalities, the payment of taxes in this could not have given rise to a violation of Section 3(e). Be that as it may, even if the OMB (Office of the Ombudsman) specified which modality attended the payment of the taxed, the charge is still unfounded” as it stressed the basic principle of freedom to contract.
Case records showed that on Feb. 27, 2008, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the province of Cavite, through Maliksi, entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the identification, acquisition, and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
The LRTA obligated and released the initial amount of P500,000,000 to the province of Cavite to fast track the implementation of the project.
On Jan. 20, 2009, the province of Cavite, through Maliksi, entered into a deed of absolute sale with Cynthia S. Montesclaros, as the attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners, over 14 parcels of land for P125,488,200, net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker’s commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation, and damages.
But aside from the contract price and other expenses like surveying and documentation, the province of Cavite also paid P6,000,000 as partial payment for tenants’ disturbance compensation with Montesclaros as payee; P4,968,750 – as five percent broker’s commission to Montesclaros; P6,112,300 for tenants’ compensation to Montesclaros; and, P9,411,627 for capital gains tax and DST with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
On March 31, 2011 the Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the additional payments as it ruled that the purchase price of P125,488,200 was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker’s commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation, and damages.
Maliksi’s appeal was later denied by COA.
On Sept. 17, 2012 the Ombudsman received a complaint against Maliksi, Ensomo and the Monteclaros.
On March 10, 2017, the Ombudsman found probable cause and ordered the filing of graft cases against them. When their motion for reconsideration was denied, Maliksi and Ensomo elevated the issue to the SC which ruled in their favor.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/04/sc-clears-ex-cavite-governor-maliksi-2-others-of-graft-charges/
The Supreme Court (SC) has cleared former Cavite Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi and provincial accountant Doris J. Ensomo of the graft charges filed against them by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2017 in connection with alleged irregularities in the purchase of land for the LRT-1 South Extension project.
In a resolution, the SC ruled that the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality on the part of Maliksi and Ensomo in the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation, broker’s commission, and capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax (DST).
Also cleared of graft charges, in effect, was Cynthia S. Montesclaros, attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners.
While the resolution was issued Sept. 26, 2018, it was made public only yesterday through a case summary released by the SC’s public information office (PIO)
The summary stated that “the Ombudsman did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance prohibiting the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation by a provincial government and enumerating the documentation required to support such expenditure.”
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019” (the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), the PIO said quoting from the resolution.
Citing the Ombudsman’s findings, the PIO summary stated that “Cynthia S. Montesclaros, the attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners, received a broker’s commission when she was not a registered broker, citing R.A. No. 9646, otherwise known as the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (RESA), which states that only the duly licensed real estate broker shall be entitled to receive or demand a fee, commission, or compensation of any kind for any service rendered or work done in any real estate transaction.”
But the SC pointed out that RESA was enacted on June 29, 2009, while the deed of absolute sale executed between the province of Cavite and Montesclaros along with the subsequent disbursement vouchers (DV) were all dated and processed in January 2009.
“Clearly, at the time of the transaction in question, RESA was not yet in effect,” the SC said.
On the payment of capital gains tax and DST, the same summary stated that “the Ombudsman ruled that petitioners deliberately ignored the Tax Code’s provisions when they allowed the Province of Cavite to shoulder the capital gains tax and DST.”
However, the SC pointed out that unlike the tenants’ disturbance compensation and the broker’s commission, the Ombudsman did not specify whether the petitioners were guilty of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in effecting the payment of these taxes.
“The attendance of any one of the three modalities is an essential element of violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019. Thus, without mention of any of the three modalities, the payment of taxes in this could not have given rise to a violation of Section 3(e). Be that as it may, even if the OMB (Office of the Ombudsman) specified which modality attended the payment of the taxed, the charge is still unfounded” as it stressed the basic principle of freedom to contract.
Case records showed that on Feb. 27, 2008, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the province of Cavite, through Maliksi, entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the identification, acquisition, and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
The LRTA obligated and released the initial amount of P500,000,000 to the province of Cavite to fast track the implementation of the project.
On Jan. 20, 2009, the province of Cavite, through Maliksi, entered into a deed of absolute sale with Cynthia S. Montesclaros, as the attorney-in-fact of the vendor-landowners, over 14 parcels of land for P125,488,200, net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker’s commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation, and damages.
But aside from the contract price and other expenses like surveying and documentation, the province of Cavite also paid P6,000,000 as partial payment for tenants’ disturbance compensation with Montesclaros as payee; P4,968,750 – as five percent broker’s commission to Montesclaros; P6,112,300 for tenants’ compensation to Montesclaros; and, P9,411,627 for capital gains tax and DST with the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
On March 31, 2011 the Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the additional payments as it ruled that the purchase price of P125,488,200 was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker’s commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation, and damages.
Maliksi’s appeal was later denied by COA.
On Sept. 17, 2012 the Ombudsman received a complaint against Maliksi, Ensomo and the Monteclaros.
On March 10, 2017, the Ombudsman found probable cause and ordered the filing of graft cases against them. When their motion for reconsideration was denied, Maliksi and Ensomo elevated the issue to the SC which ruled in their favor.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/04/sc-clears-ex-cavite-governor-maliksi-2-others-of-graft-charges/
SC clears former Cavite Governor Maliksi of graft
The Supreme Court has cleared former Cavite Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi of graft charges arising from the alleged questionable P125-million relocation contract for informal settlers affected by the Light Rail Transit 1 Cavite (South) Extension Project.
In a 16-page extended resolution released Tuesday, the high court granted the petition filed by Maliksi and Doris J. Ensomo, provincial accountant of Cavite, reversing the March 10, 2017 and July 31, 2018 order and resolution by the Ombudsman.
The resolution reversed by the high court found probable cause to file a case for violation the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act No. 3019, against them before the Sandiganbayan.
The high court said the Ombudsman gravely abused its discretion when it approved the filing of criminal charges against the petitioners.
The high court said the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in petitioners’ payment of the following: (a) tenants’ disturbance compensation; (b) broker’s commission and (c) capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax (DST).
“The Ombudsman did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance prohibiting the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation by a provincial government and enumerating the documentation required to support such expenditure,” the high court said.
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019,” it added.
At the same time, the high court said Cynthia S. Monteclaros, the attorney-in-fact of the landowners could held liable for violation of the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (RESA), or Republic Act No. 9646.
Under RESA, only the duly licensed real estate broker is entitled to demand a fee, commission or compensation in real estate transactions.
The high court said the law was enacted on June 29, 2009, but the deed of absolute sale between the province of Cavite and Montesclaros was made in January 2009.
The case arose as an offshoot of the deal in February 2008 when the Light Rail Transit Authority and the Cavite provincial government entered into a memorandum of agreement for the identification, acquisition and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
LRT released the initial amount of P500,000 to fast-track the implementation of the project.
In January 2009, Cavite entered into a deed of absolute sale with Montesclaros over 14 parcels of land in Barangay Santiago, General Trias, Cavite measuring 209,147 square meters for a total of P125.48 million.
But the province ended up paying an additional P16 million for extra expenses.
On March 31, 2011, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance for the payments for lack of basis as the deed of absolute sale provided that the purchase price was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, brokers’ commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation and damages.
The controversy eventually prompted the corruption complaint against Maliksi. /atm
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1059960/sc-clears-former-cavite-governor-maliksi-of-graft
In a 16-page extended resolution released Tuesday, the high court granted the petition filed by Maliksi and Doris J. Ensomo, provincial accountant of Cavite, reversing the March 10, 2017 and July 31, 2018 order and resolution by the Ombudsman.
The resolution reversed by the high court found probable cause to file a case for violation the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or Republic Act No. 3019, against them before the Sandiganbayan.
The high court said the Ombudsman gravely abused its discretion when it approved the filing of criminal charges against the petitioners.
The high court said the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in petitioners’ payment of the following: (a) tenants’ disturbance compensation; (b) broker’s commission and (c) capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax (DST).
“The Ombudsman did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance prohibiting the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation by a provincial government and enumerating the documentation required to support such expenditure,” the high court said.
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019,” it added.
At the same time, the high court said Cynthia S. Monteclaros, the attorney-in-fact of the landowners could held liable for violation of the Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines (RESA), or Republic Act No. 9646.
Under RESA, only the duly licensed real estate broker is entitled to demand a fee, commission or compensation in real estate transactions.
The high court said the law was enacted on June 29, 2009, but the deed of absolute sale between the province of Cavite and Montesclaros was made in January 2009.
The case arose as an offshoot of the deal in February 2008 when the Light Rail Transit Authority and the Cavite provincial government entered into a memorandum of agreement for the identification, acquisition and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
LRT released the initial amount of P500,000 to fast-track the implementation of the project.
In January 2009, Cavite entered into a deed of absolute sale with Montesclaros over 14 parcels of land in Barangay Santiago, General Trias, Cavite measuring 209,147 square meters for a total of P125.48 million.
But the province ended up paying an additional P16 million for extra expenses.
On March 31, 2011, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance for the payments for lack of basis as the deed of absolute sale provided that the purchase price was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, brokers’ commission, tenants’ disturbance compensation and damages.
The controversy eventually prompted the corruption complaint against Maliksi. /atm
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1059960/sc-clears-former-cavite-governor-maliksi-of-graft
Supreme Court clears ex-Cavite gov Maliksi in LRT extension case
The Supreme Court has cleared former Cavite governor Erineo "Ayong" Maliksi of graft charges over alleged anomalies in the relocation of informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
Finding grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Court's First Division reversed and set aside Maliksi's indictment by the anti-graft office in 2017.
The justices said that the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in three payments relating to the purchase of 20 hectares of land for the development of a relocation site.
In 2009, the Cavite provincial government bought 14 parcels of land in General Trias for P125.48 million, net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker's commission, tenants' disturbance compensation and damages.
Eight years later, the Ombudsman found that Maliksi and former provincial accountant Doris Ensomo approved the payment of P12.1 million in tenants' disturbance compensation without required documentation.
Prosecutors also charged the two for allegedly paying P4.9 million in broker's commission to their co-accused, Cynthia Montesclaros, an unregistered broker; and allowed the province to shoulder P9.4 million in capital gains and documentary stamp taxes stemming from the Deed of Absolute Sale when the law says these taxes should be borne by the vendor or landowner.
These additional payments, amounting to P26.49 million, were disallowed by the Commission on Audit in 2011.
However, the SC ruled that the Ombudsman "did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance" that prohibits a provincial government from paying tenants' disturbance compensation and lists the required documents for such an expenditure.
"Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners' approval of the payment of tenants' disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019," the high court said.
The justices also decided that the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause lacks facts that demonstrate "clear basis" on the part of Maliksi and Ensomo to favor Montesclaros.
Finally, the Court held that the Ombudsman's charge that the Maliksi and Ensomo ignored the Tax Code by allowing the provincial government to shoulder the capital gains and documentary stamp taxes is "unfounded." — RSJ, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/677074/supreme-court-clears-ex-cavite-gov-maliksi-in-lrt-extension-case/story/
Finding grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Office of the Ombudsman, the Court's First Division reversed and set aside Maliksi's indictment by the anti-graft office in 2017.
The justices said that the Ombudsman failed to demonstrate the presence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence, or manifest partiality in three payments relating to the purchase of 20 hectares of land for the development of a relocation site.
In 2009, the Cavite provincial government bought 14 parcels of land in General Trias for P125.48 million, net of taxes, fees, expenses, broker's commission, tenants' disturbance compensation and damages.
Eight years later, the Ombudsman found that Maliksi and former provincial accountant Doris Ensomo approved the payment of P12.1 million in tenants' disturbance compensation without required documentation.
Prosecutors also charged the two for allegedly paying P4.9 million in broker's commission to their co-accused, Cynthia Montesclaros, an unregistered broker; and allowed the province to shoulder P9.4 million in capital gains and documentary stamp taxes stemming from the Deed of Absolute Sale when the law says these taxes should be borne by the vendor or landowner.
These additional payments, amounting to P26.49 million, were disallowed by the Commission on Audit in 2011.
However, the SC ruled that the Ombudsman "did not cite the specific law, regulation, or ordinance" that prohibits a provincial government from paying tenants' disturbance compensation and lists the required documents for such an expenditure.
"Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners' approval of the payment of tenants' disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019," the high court said.
The justices also decided that the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause lacks facts that demonstrate "clear basis" on the part of Maliksi and Ensomo to favor Montesclaros.
Finally, the Court held that the Ombudsman's charge that the Maliksi and Ensomo ignored the Tax Code by allowing the provincial government to shoulder the capital gains and documentary stamp taxes is "unfounded." — RSJ, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/677074/supreme-court-clears-ex-cavite-gov-maliksi-in-lrt-extension-case/story/
SC clears ex-Cavite guv Maliksi in LRT relocation mess
The Supreme Court (SC) cleared former Cavite Governor Erineo S. Maliksi from corruption charges arising from alleged anomalies in a P125-million relocation contract for informal settlers affected by the planned extension of the southern leg of the Light Rail Transit (LRT).
In a 16-page resolution dated Sept. 26 and released to media Tuesday, the SC granted the petition filed by Maliksi and private individual Cynthia S. Montesclaros and reversed the Ombudsman's ruling against the two.
"The Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in finding the existence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence and manifest partiality," the SC said in its resolution.
The case arose as an offshoot of the deal in February 2008 when the Light Rail Transit Authority and the Cavite provincial government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the identification, acquisition and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
LRT obligated and released the initial amount of PHP500,000 to fast-track the implementation of the project.
In January 2009, Cavite entered into a deed of absolute sale with Montesclaros over 14 parcels of land in Barangay Santiago, General Trias, Cavite measuring 209,147 square meters for a total of PHP125.48 million.
The province, however, ended paying up additional PHP16 million for additional expenses.
On March 31, 2011, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance for the payments for lack of basis as the deed of absolute sale provided that the purchase price was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, brokers' commission, tenants' disturbance compensation and damages.
The controversy eventually prompted the corruption complaint against Maliksi. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055713
In a 16-page resolution dated Sept. 26 and released to media Tuesday, the SC granted the petition filed by Maliksi and private individual Cynthia S. Montesclaros and reversed the Ombudsman's ruling against the two.
"The Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in finding the existence of evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence and manifest partiality," the SC said in its resolution.
The case arose as an offshoot of the deal in February 2008 when the Light Rail Transit Authority and the Cavite provincial government entered into a Memorandum of Agreement for the identification, acquisition and development of a relocation site for the informal settlers affected by the LRT-1 South Extension Project.
LRT obligated and released the initial amount of PHP500,000 to fast-track the implementation of the project.
In January 2009, Cavite entered into a deed of absolute sale with Montesclaros over 14 parcels of land in Barangay Santiago, General Trias, Cavite measuring 209,147 square meters for a total of PHP125.48 million.
The province, however, ended paying up additional PHP16 million for additional expenses.
On March 31, 2011, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a notice of disallowance for the payments for lack of basis as the deed of absolute sale provided that the purchase price was already net of taxes, fees, expenses, brokers' commission, tenants' disturbance compensation and damages.
The controversy eventually prompted the corruption complaint against Maliksi. (PNA)
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1055713
SC clears ex-governor Ayong Maliksi in P26M Cavite LRT case
The Ombudsman indictment against the former governor is set aside
The Supreme Court has cleared former Cavite governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi of graft charges after the First Division reversed his indictment by then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.
Morales had indicted Maliksi of graft in 2017, the formal charge filed before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in February 2018, for allegedly violating multiple laws in the payment of landowners whose properties were going to be affected by the extension of the LRT 1 South Extension Project.
“In a 16-page extended Resolution, the Court’s First Division reversed and set aside the Ombudsman’s March 10, 2017 Resolution and July 31, 2017 Order finding probable cause against them for violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 and directing the filing of an Information against them with the Sandiganbayan,” said the Supreme Court in an announcement on Tuesday, December 4.
In the 2017 audit report of the the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), procurement lapses were still found in the contracts for the housing segment of the extension project.
Maliksi case
Morales charged Maliksi for allegedly colluding with former provincial accountant Doris Ensomo and private respondent Cynthia Montesclaros to secure P26 million worth of payments from the provincial government.
Cavite, then under Maliksi, was granted P500 million to pay the almost 2,000 families who would be affected by the extension project.
The province of Cavite and Montesclaros – as the landowners’ lawyer – entered into a Deed of Sale for the purchase of 14 parcels of land for P125.5 million. But on top of that, the provincial government paid another P26.5 million broken down as follows:
The Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the P26.5 million additional payment in 2011, which led to the Ombudsman's investigation.
The Supreme Court said Ombudsman prosecutors were not able to name a specific law, regulation, or ordinance that was violated when the provincial government paid the disturbance compensation.
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019,” the Supreme Court said.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the officials ignored the tax code when they allowed the provincial government to shoulder the capital gains tax, but the Supreme Court said ”the charge is unfounded.”
https://www.rappler.com/nation/218186-supreme-court-clear-ayong-maliksi-cavite-lrt-graft-case
The Supreme Court has cleared former Cavite governor Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi of graft charges after the First Division reversed his indictment by then Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.
Morales had indicted Maliksi of graft in 2017, the formal charge filed before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan in February 2018, for allegedly violating multiple laws in the payment of landowners whose properties were going to be affected by the extension of the LRT 1 South Extension Project.
“In a 16-page extended Resolution, the Court’s First Division reversed and set aside the Ombudsman’s March 10, 2017 Resolution and July 31, 2017 Order finding probable cause against them for violation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019 and directing the filing of an Information against them with the Sandiganbayan,” said the Supreme Court in an announcement on Tuesday, December 4.
In the 2017 audit report of the the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), procurement lapses were still found in the contracts for the housing segment of the extension project.
Maliksi case
Morales charged Maliksi for allegedly colluding with former provincial accountant Doris Ensomo and private respondent Cynthia Montesclaros to secure P26 million worth of payments from the provincial government.
Cavite, then under Maliksi, was granted P500 million to pay the almost 2,000 families who would be affected by the extension project.
The province of Cavite and Montesclaros – as the landowners’ lawyer – entered into a Deed of Sale for the purchase of 14 parcels of land for P125.5 million. But on top of that, the provincial government paid another P26.5 million broken down as follows:
- P6 million for tenants’ disturbance compensation with Montesclaros as payee
- P4.9 million for broker’s commission to Montesclaros
- P6.1 million for tenants’ compensation to Montesclaros
- P9.4 millon for capital gains tax with the Bureau of Internal Revenue as payee
The Commission on Audit (COA) disallowed the P26.5 million additional payment in 2011, which led to the Ombudsman's investigation.
The Supreme Court said Ombudsman prosecutors were not able to name a specific law, regulation, or ordinance that was violated when the provincial government paid the disturbance compensation.
“Without the applicable legal basis, the petitioners’ approval of the payment of tenants’ disturbance compensation alone is insufficient to engender a reasonable belief that the petitioners have violated Section 3(e) of RA No. 3019,” the Supreme Court said.
The Office of the Ombudsman said the officials ignored the tax code when they allowed the provincial government to shoulder the capital gains tax, but the Supreme Court said ”the charge is unfounded.”
https://www.rappler.com/nation/218186-supreme-court-clear-ayong-maliksi-cavite-lrt-graft-case
House passes bill giving gov’t emergency powers in traffic crisis
By Ben Rosario
Caught in legislative traffic jam for nearly three years, the bill granting government emergency powers to address the traffic crisis that has gripped the country’s urban centers was finally approved on final reading by the House of Representatives.
Passed following after receiving 188 affirmative votes, House Bill 6425 or the “Traffic Crisis Act of 2017. Makiisa, Makisama, Magkaisa” proposes to adopt “responsive, effective and comprehensive measures” that will solve the crisis through various immediate solutions that include the putting up of mass transportation in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.
Eight congressmen present during rthe Monday session registered “nay” votes.
The bill consolidates 14 bills and one resolution that were endorsed by the Duterte administration. Among the authors of the legislative measures were key former and current House leaders, including Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PDP-Laban, Pampanga); former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (PDP-Laban, Davao del Norte); Minority Leader Danilo Suarez (Lakas-CMD, Quezon); Majority Leader Rolando Andaya (PDP-Laban, Camarines Sur); Reps. Rodolfo Farinas (PDP-Laban, Ilocos Norte); Winston Castelo (PDP-Laban, Quezon City); Federico Sandoval (PDP-Laban, Navotas); and Gus Tambunting (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City).
It took the Lower House nearly three years to take final action on the measure which includes House Bill 03 that was filed even before the 17th Congress was formally opened in July 2016.
President Rodrigo Duterte had previously moved for the immediate approval of the measure but had apparently changed his mind for fear that its passage would trigger massive corruption.
The bill proposes to harmonize all traffic rules, regulations, ordinances and other issuance in the covered metropolitan areas. It will also reform, modernize and streamline the mass transpiration systems.
HB 6425 designates the Secretary of the Department of Transportation as the de officio traffic chief who will be clothed with an expansive authority aimed at immediately putting an end to land transport crisis.
He will be clothed with power of control and supervision over all land transportation agencies, including the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Council headed by a Cebu Coordinator and the Davao Administrator.
It provides for a three-year period of effectivity unless sooner withdrawn by Congress.
Under the bill, completion of a route rationalization for public utility vehicles will have to be realized within eight months upon its enactment.
Aside from other powers aimed at addressing the traffic crisis, the traffic chief will enjoy the power to revoke or modify PUV franchises to conform to the viable capacity of a certain route. He will also have the authority to restrict the eligibility for PUV franchises.
The traffic chief may also take over PUV frnachise operation as well as restore it.
The legislative proposal provides for the suspension of the power of local government units to issue franchises for tricycles, padyak and other PUV transport units not covered by the Land Transportation and Franchising Board.
The application of the Local Government Code providing for prior consultation on traffic related programs and that of the Labor Code will be suspended upon approval of the measure.
Non-compliance to the provisions of the measure may be penalized as provided unde Republic Act 9184 or the anti-graft law.
The bill also creates Special Traffic Crisis Courts that will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and resolve all actions emanating from the implementation of the Traffic Crisis Act.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/04/house-passes-bill-giving-govt-emergency-powers-in-traffic-crisis/
Caught in legislative traffic jam for nearly three years, the bill granting government emergency powers to address the traffic crisis that has gripped the country’s urban centers was finally approved on final reading by the House of Representatives.
Passed following after receiving 188 affirmative votes, House Bill 6425 or the “Traffic Crisis Act of 2017. Makiisa, Makisama, Magkaisa” proposes to adopt “responsive, effective and comprehensive measures” that will solve the crisis through various immediate solutions that include the putting up of mass transportation in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.
Eight congressmen present during rthe Monday session registered “nay” votes.
The bill consolidates 14 bills and one resolution that were endorsed by the Duterte administration. Among the authors of the legislative measures were key former and current House leaders, including Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PDP-Laban, Pampanga); former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (PDP-Laban, Davao del Norte); Minority Leader Danilo Suarez (Lakas-CMD, Quezon); Majority Leader Rolando Andaya (PDP-Laban, Camarines Sur); Reps. Rodolfo Farinas (PDP-Laban, Ilocos Norte); Winston Castelo (PDP-Laban, Quezon City); Federico Sandoval (PDP-Laban, Navotas); and Gus Tambunting (PDP-Laban, Paranaque City).
It took the Lower House nearly three years to take final action on the measure which includes House Bill 03 that was filed even before the 17th Congress was formally opened in July 2016.
President Rodrigo Duterte had previously moved for the immediate approval of the measure but had apparently changed his mind for fear that its passage would trigger massive corruption.
The bill proposes to harmonize all traffic rules, regulations, ordinances and other issuance in the covered metropolitan areas. It will also reform, modernize and streamline the mass transpiration systems.
HB 6425 designates the Secretary of the Department of Transportation as the de officio traffic chief who will be clothed with an expansive authority aimed at immediately putting an end to land transport crisis.
He will be clothed with power of control and supervision over all land transportation agencies, including the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Council headed by a Cebu Coordinator and the Davao Administrator.
It provides for a three-year period of effectivity unless sooner withdrawn by Congress.
Under the bill, completion of a route rationalization for public utility vehicles will have to be realized within eight months upon its enactment.
Aside from other powers aimed at addressing the traffic crisis, the traffic chief will enjoy the power to revoke or modify PUV franchises to conform to the viable capacity of a certain route. He will also have the authority to restrict the eligibility for PUV franchises.
The traffic chief may also take over PUV frnachise operation as well as restore it.
The legislative proposal provides for the suspension of the power of local government units to issue franchises for tricycles, padyak and other PUV transport units not covered by the Land Transportation and Franchising Board.
The application of the Local Government Code providing for prior consultation on traffic related programs and that of the Labor Code will be suspended upon approval of the measure.
Non-compliance to the provisions of the measure may be penalized as provided unde Republic Act 9184 or the anti-graft law.
The bill also creates Special Traffic Crisis Courts that will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and resolve all actions emanating from the implementation of the Traffic Crisis Act.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/04/house-passes-bill-giving-govt-emergency-powers-in-traffic-crisis/
PNR extends service to Malabon
The Department of Transportation and the state-run Philippine National Railways began operating a train service that would ferry commuters from Malabon City.
Transport officials on Monday launched the Malabon City-Taguig City route with the opening of the PNR Governor Pascual station.
PNR will have eight trips from Governor Pascual station in Malabon to FTI station in Taguig and vice versa daily. There will also be four daily trips from Tutuban in Manila to Governor Pascual.
The travel time in the new Malabon-Taguig is expected to span 58 minutes, DOTr said.
The fare for an air-conditioned coach would cost P25. Passengers would have to pay P20 for a non-air-conditioned coach.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the service aims to ease the burden of workers from the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.
The new route is part of the Metro North Commuter service. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/12/04/1874137/pnr-extends-service-malabon
Transport officials on Monday launched the Malabon City-Taguig City route with the opening of the PNR Governor Pascual station.
PNR will have eight trips from Governor Pascual station in Malabon to FTI station in Taguig and vice versa daily. There will also be four daily trips from Tutuban in Manila to Governor Pascual.
The travel time in the new Malabon-Taguig is expected to span 58 minutes, DOTr said.
The fare for an air-conditioned coach would cost P25. Passengers would have to pay P20 for a non-air-conditioned coach.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the service aims to ease the burden of workers from the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.
The new route is part of the Metro North Commuter service. — Gaea Katreena Cabico
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/12/04/1874137/pnr-extends-service-malabon
More powers won’t solve traffic problem
Lawmakers passed House Bill 6425, or the proposed Traffic and Congestion Crisis Act, last week. The measure does not give the President emergency powers once enacted into law, but it would pave the way for the creation of a single traffic authority headed by an all-powerful traffic chief who will be appointed by the President.
Serving as the alter ego of the President, the traffic chief would have power of supervision over all local government units (LGUs) in metropolitan areas —Metro Manila, Davao and Metro Cebu—with the full power and authority to streamline the management of traffic and transportation and control road use in these areas.
The traffic chief shall have the power of supervision and control over the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; Cebu Coordinating Council, as created under the bill; Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group; Land Transportation Office; Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Road Board; all other executive agencies, bureaus and offices with roles pertaining to land transportation regulation; and the Davao traffic administrator. He or she shall also formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize existing public transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares, safe movement of persons and goods, the administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services and traffic education programs.
That, indeed, is a lot of power. And it’s not emergency or temporary power. We doubt if centralizing all the power in one person is even necessary. Like Lito Atienza, the senior deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, we also ask how this could address the real causes of our traffic problems.
“How will giving authorities more power help solve the traffic mess in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao, when the root causes of our traffic problem—corruption, mismanagement and incompetence—are not being addressed? It is like prescribing medicine that would only treat the symptoms, but not the virus that causes the illness,” Atienza said.
“The solutions being proposed in this piece of legislation are not the answers to our problem. We do not need more laws and powers. All the laws are already in place, but the government is not enforcing the law. What we need is stricter and honest-to-goodness enforcement of existing laws covering traffic management, as well as punishing erring traffic officials especially enforcers on the streets,” Atienza said during his interpellation of the bill’s sponsor, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento.
Again, we agree.
As we keep saying, road discipline and traffic rules are the first signs of a civilized society while their absence or wanton disregard for them depicts a pathetic, backward society. We need to bring back road discipline. We can solve our traffic problems in Metro Manila and other urban centers through relatively cheaper, ingenious ways and with political will. But we need rules. We can’t operate without rules, and rules must be strictly implemented and followed.
Simply obeying traffic laws, for instance, is sometimes overlooked but it often prevents both chokepoints and accidents on our roads.
Take, for instance, the Buendia and Osmeña Highway intersection, which is one of the busiest intersections in Makati, and just about a hundred meters away from BusinessMirror offices. It is often jammed because authorities turn off the traffic lights at this intersection instead of making sure motorists follow them. Sadly, this is replicated in many busy intersections in the metropolis. Many times traffic lights are turned off with no police minding these intersections, resulting in bedlam.
When everyone is following rules, the road is more organized, more efficient and most important safer. And yet why is it that authorities themselves are the first ones who disregard traffic lights and other rules, when they are the ones who should be enforcing them and preventing traffic violations?
We know this is just one simple example, but obviously you do not need an all-powerful traffic chief to have motorists follow simple traffic rules, such as obeying traffic lights.
And turning on those traffic lights is a good start.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/more-powers-wont-solve-traffic-problem/
Serving as the alter ego of the President, the traffic chief would have power of supervision over all local government units (LGUs) in metropolitan areas —Metro Manila, Davao and Metro Cebu—with the full power and authority to streamline the management of traffic and transportation and control road use in these areas.
The traffic chief shall have the power of supervision and control over the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; Cebu Coordinating Council, as created under the bill; Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group; Land Transportation Office; Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; Road Board; all other executive agencies, bureaus and offices with roles pertaining to land transportation regulation; and the Davao traffic administrator. He or she shall also formulate, coordinate, and monitor policies, standards, programs and projects to rationalize existing public transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares, safe movement of persons and goods, the administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services and traffic education programs.
That, indeed, is a lot of power. And it’s not emergency or temporary power. We doubt if centralizing all the power in one person is even necessary. Like Lito Atienza, the senior deputy minority leader of the House of Representatives, we also ask how this could address the real causes of our traffic problems.
“How will giving authorities more power help solve the traffic mess in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao, when the root causes of our traffic problem—corruption, mismanagement and incompetence—are not being addressed? It is like prescribing medicine that would only treat the symptoms, but not the virus that causes the illness,” Atienza said.
“The solutions being proposed in this piece of legislation are not the answers to our problem. We do not need more laws and powers. All the laws are already in place, but the government is not enforcing the law. What we need is stricter and honest-to-goodness enforcement of existing laws covering traffic management, as well as punishing erring traffic officials especially enforcers on the streets,” Atienza said during his interpellation of the bill’s sponsor, Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento.
Again, we agree.
As we keep saying, road discipline and traffic rules are the first signs of a civilized society while their absence or wanton disregard for them depicts a pathetic, backward society. We need to bring back road discipline. We can solve our traffic problems in Metro Manila and other urban centers through relatively cheaper, ingenious ways and with political will. But we need rules. We can’t operate without rules, and rules must be strictly implemented and followed.
Simply obeying traffic laws, for instance, is sometimes overlooked but it often prevents both chokepoints and accidents on our roads.
Take, for instance, the Buendia and Osmeña Highway intersection, which is one of the busiest intersections in Makati, and just about a hundred meters away from BusinessMirror offices. It is often jammed because authorities turn off the traffic lights at this intersection instead of making sure motorists follow them. Sadly, this is replicated in many busy intersections in the metropolis. Many times traffic lights are turned off with no police minding these intersections, resulting in bedlam.
When everyone is following rules, the road is more organized, more efficient and most important safer. And yet why is it that authorities themselves are the first ones who disregard traffic lights and other rules, when they are the ones who should be enforcing them and preventing traffic violations?
We know this is just one simple example, but obviously you do not need an all-powerful traffic chief to have motorists follow simple traffic rules, such as obeying traffic lights.
And turning on those traffic lights is a good start.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/more-powers-wont-solve-traffic-problem/
Monday, December 3, 2018
LRT 1 Cavite phase seen to finally start in H1 2019
The massive Cavite extension phase of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), now about three years behind schedule, may start construction within the first half of 2019, according to its private sector operator.
The new schedule was the latest in a series of moving targets that emerged since the government awarded in 2014 the operations and maintenance of LRT-1 and its eventual 11.7-kilometer extension to Bacoor, Cavite, to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), a venture backed by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
Delays in the Aquino administration-era Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project were blamed mainly on right-of-way issues, a responsibility of the government. These are now “fairly complete” for the initial phase covering the first five train stations, LRMC president and CEO Juan F. Alfonso told reporters in an interview on Friday.
He said they were in talks with utilities such as power distributor Manila Electric Co., a unit of Metro Pacific, to relocate facilities along the Cavite extension project’s alignment. Alfonso said this included a so-called feeder line that provides electricity to the Mall of Asia complex in Metro Manila.
“We are targeting the last quarter of 2021 or early 2022,” Alfonso said when asked about the target completion date of the Cavite extension project.
The new schedule is well beyond the initial intention to finish the Cavite extension, which will increase its capacity from about half a million passengers a day to almost 800,000 and ease congested road corridors south of Metro Manila, by 2019. Under the contract, the right of way should have been delivered by the government in 2015, Alfonso said.
The Cavite extension project’s prospective completion comes even after Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp., through a Japan International Cooperation Agency loan, scheduled the delivery of 120 brand-new train coaches in 2020. Alfonso said they planned to start the construction of an expanded train depot in 2019 to house the new coaches.
The LRT-1 extension project, valued at about P65 billion, was the largest PPP deal under the previous administration. LRMC, which will operate the LRT-1 and its extension line through a 32-year concession period, was the only bidder that submitted an offer after rival groups, some of whom cited the poor viability of the project, backed out. The PPP project had to be auctioned off twice after the first round failed.
The LRT-1, which started operations on December 1, 1984, is the oldest of the three elevated railway lines in Metro Manila. When LRMC took over in September 2015, its condition was described as “severely deteriorated,” with power facilities and train stations requiring rehabilitation and just 77 of the promised 100 train coaches in running condition.
https://business.inquirer.net/261535/lrt-1-cavite-phase-seen-to-finally-start-in-h1-2019
The new schedule was the latest in a series of moving targets that emerged since the government awarded in 2014 the operations and maintenance of LRT-1 and its eventual 11.7-kilometer extension to Bacoor, Cavite, to Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), a venture backed by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp.
Delays in the Aquino administration-era Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project were blamed mainly on right-of-way issues, a responsibility of the government. These are now “fairly complete” for the initial phase covering the first five train stations, LRMC president and CEO Juan F. Alfonso told reporters in an interview on Friday.
He said they were in talks with utilities such as power distributor Manila Electric Co., a unit of Metro Pacific, to relocate facilities along the Cavite extension project’s alignment. Alfonso said this included a so-called feeder line that provides electricity to the Mall of Asia complex in Metro Manila.
“We are targeting the last quarter of 2021 or early 2022,” Alfonso said when asked about the target completion date of the Cavite extension project.
The new schedule is well beyond the initial intention to finish the Cavite extension, which will increase its capacity from about half a million passengers a day to almost 800,000 and ease congested road corridors south of Metro Manila, by 2019. Under the contract, the right of way should have been delivered by the government in 2015, Alfonso said.
The Cavite extension project’s prospective completion comes even after Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp., through a Japan International Cooperation Agency loan, scheduled the delivery of 120 brand-new train coaches in 2020. Alfonso said they planned to start the construction of an expanded train depot in 2019 to house the new coaches.
The LRT-1 extension project, valued at about P65 billion, was the largest PPP deal under the previous administration. LRMC, which will operate the LRT-1 and its extension line through a 32-year concession period, was the only bidder that submitted an offer after rival groups, some of whom cited the poor viability of the project, backed out. The PPP project had to be auctioned off twice after the first round failed.
The LRT-1, which started operations on December 1, 1984, is the oldest of the three elevated railway lines in Metro Manila. When LRMC took over in September 2015, its condition was described as “severely deteriorated,” with power facilities and train stations requiring rehabilitation and just 77 of the promised 100 train coaches in running condition.
https://business.inquirer.net/261535/lrt-1-cavite-phase-seen-to-finally-start-in-h1-2019
LRMC counts cost of delay in gov’t approval of LRT-1 fare increase
LIGHT RAIL Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), said it has incurred a “fare deficit” of about P100 million for the three quarters of 2018 due to the government’s delay in granting its fare hike petition.
“Our agreement calls for compensation of the… If the fares are at a certain level and it’s not raised, it’s in our agreement, what we call a ‘fare deficit’… (For 2018), there’s a P100 million difference in the revenue that we should have been getting with the increased fares versus what we got,” LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Juan F. Alfonso told reporters on Friday.
LRMC applied for a P5 to P7 increase in LRT-1 fares last March — the second time it did since the company was awarded the contract to operate the train line in 2014. The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has yet to approve the petition.
The consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd. started operating LRT-1 in September 2015, after it signed the P65 billion, 32-year concession agreement with the government in Oct. 2014. Based on the terms, LRMC is allowed to raise LRT-1 fares every two years.
The DoTr said in August LRMC’s petition was still under discussion, and would require a public hearing, before being approved.
Mr. Alfonso said even with the delays, the government has not paid for the fare deficits from the past years.
“We haven’t been compensated for fare deficits,” he said. “The mechanism in the agreement is for fare deficit or for fare increase. For fare increase, it is paid per user. So if I live in Manila, Makati or Pasay and I use the system, I pay for it. For fare deficit, then it’s taken… from DoTr (budget),” he explained.
Despite this, Mr. Alfonso noted LRMC is still making “a little bit of money,” but just enough to keep the system running.
LRMC allocated a capital expenditure of P7.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the train system, structural rectification and an extension of the line to Cavite.
Mr. Alfonso said they have already spent about P12 billion as of end-November. The capex budget is expected to shift starting next year to focus on the Cavite extension.
He said construction of the LRT-1 Cavite extension is expected to commence by first half of 2019, as substantial right of way was already granted for the first of three segments of the extension.
The 11.7-kilometer extension that will build eight new stations from Baclaran, Pasay City to Niog, Bacoor City is seen completed by late 2021 or early 2022. Mr. Alfonso said the difficulty in relocating posts of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) was the cause of delay.
“We’re still assuming the same costs… Later on, if some of these things have delays and increased costs, then there’s a mechanism in our agreement to deal with it… There’s going to be escalations in costs,” he added.
MPIC is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Denise A. Valdez
“Our agreement calls for compensation of the… If the fares are at a certain level and it’s not raised, it’s in our agreement, what we call a ‘fare deficit’… (For 2018), there’s a P100 million difference in the revenue that we should have been getting with the increased fares versus what we got,” LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer Juan F. Alfonso told reporters on Friday.
LRMC applied for a P5 to P7 increase in LRT-1 fares last March — the second time it did since the company was awarded the contract to operate the train line in 2014. The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has yet to approve the petition.
The consortium of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd. started operating LRT-1 in September 2015, after it signed the P65 billion, 32-year concession agreement with the government in Oct. 2014. Based on the terms, LRMC is allowed to raise LRT-1 fares every two years.
The DoTr said in August LRMC’s petition was still under discussion, and would require a public hearing, before being approved.
Mr. Alfonso said even with the delays, the government has not paid for the fare deficits from the past years.
“We haven’t been compensated for fare deficits,” he said. “The mechanism in the agreement is for fare deficit or for fare increase. For fare increase, it is paid per user. So if I live in Manila, Makati or Pasay and I use the system, I pay for it. For fare deficit, then it’s taken… from DoTr (budget),” he explained.
Despite this, Mr. Alfonso noted LRMC is still making “a little bit of money,” but just enough to keep the system running.
LRMC allocated a capital expenditure of P7.5 billion for the rehabilitation of the train system, structural rectification and an extension of the line to Cavite.
Mr. Alfonso said they have already spent about P12 billion as of end-November. The capex budget is expected to shift starting next year to focus on the Cavite extension.
He said construction of the LRT-1 Cavite extension is expected to commence by first half of 2019, as substantial right of way was already granted for the first of three segments of the extension.
The 11.7-kilometer extension that will build eight new stations from Baclaran, Pasay City to Niog, Bacoor City is seen completed by late 2021 or early 2022. Mr. Alfonso said the difficulty in relocating posts of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) was the cause of delay.
“We’re still assuming the same costs… Later on, if some of these things have delays and increased costs, then there’s a mechanism in our agreement to deal with it… There’s going to be escalations in costs,” he added.
MPIC is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Denise A. Valdez
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)