Coming soon.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Bro. Mike's birthday party world's biggest
''THEY will be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying at Luneta,'' said El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde yesterday as he stood firm on his group's plan to hold a gathering to celebrate his birthday today, the same day pro-democracy rallies are set in Makati City and other cities nationwide.
Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the provinces and all over the world were coming or had arrived for the gathering.
The birthday ''party'' at Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Benigno Aquino III and his political allies and show biz friends.
Velarde was in Malacañang yesterday. ''I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Friday--did not change,'' he told reporters.
Asked if Mr. Estrada would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration's proposed Charter amendments, he said: ''I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government.''
As of last night, there was no official word from Malacañang whether Mr. Aquino would attend the El Shaddai party today on August 23.
But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities.
Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the Constitution now.
Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: ''Why is our focus on Charter change?
''I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you know, I have a different view.''
He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.
''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''
'Perception'
''Our celebration will not be destructive . . . That is only the perception of observers,'' Velarde said.
He appealed to journalists not to ''color'' their gathering, adding: ''The results of (the Makati rally and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.''
Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he said: ''I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.
''Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.''
While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the ''proper time'' for the undertaking, he added.
Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of its anniversary which coincides with his birthday.
''Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta,'' he said.
Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: ''Everybody's invited at the Luneta.''
Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-democracy rally.
''We are all for the preservation of our freedoms,'' he said.
''Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.''
He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others.
Comparisons
The El Shaddai celebration invites comparisons.
According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8, 1979.
It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Would El Shaddai break this standing record?
Consider this: The crowd that attended its 29th anniversary celebration on August 16-17, 2013 last year was estimated at more than three million people.
The affair, at which Mr. Estrada and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.
El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight million).
With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock? More important, how much will the feast cost him?
The INQUIRER checked prices at Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.
These are the figures:
Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332).
Asked if a change of schedule was possible in the interest of unity within the Catholic Church, Velarde said it was not, adding that a number of El Shaddai members from the provinces and all over the world were coming or had arrived for the gathering.
The birthday ''party'' at Rizal Park in Manila threatens to break records in terms of lavishness and numbers, what with the promised handaan (feast) of roast pig, chicken and calf, as well as the expected attendance of President Benigno Aquino III and his political allies and show biz friends.
Velarde was in Malacañang yesterday. ''I'm just going to check whether the appointment of the President with us--which is in the afternoon of Friday--did not change,'' he told reporters.
Asked if Mr. Estrada would be given the opportunity to deliver a speech on the administration's proposed Charter amendments, he said: ''I don't know what the President has in mind, but normally he gives his inspirational message and informs the people on what is happening in government.''
As of last night, there was no official word from Malacañang whether Mr. Aquino would attend the El Shaddai party today on August 23.
But earlier, he said he would attend as he had done for the past years. The President is also scheduled to speak between 5:05 and 5:30 p.m. according to the El Shaddai program of activities.
Like the President, to whom he serves as spiritual adviser, Velarde is for amending the Constitution now.
Asked if there would be expressions of support for Charter change at the El Shaddai gathering, Velarde chuckled and said: ''Why is our focus on Charter change?
''I think we should look into positive changes, not only concerning our Charter, but you know, I have a different view.''
He added, still speaking in Taglish: ''Even if we change that Constitution repeatedly, if change does not occur in men's hearts, nothing will happen.
''So I think what we should look and pray for is a change within ourselves. All of us are involved--the media, the Church, the government, the ordinary people. We should all help in changing ourselves because we are the ones who will suffer.''
He appealed to journalists not to ''color'' their gathering, adding: ''The results of (the Makati rally and the El Shaddai gathering) could be beneficial to us--they'll be shouting at Ayala while others will be praying in Luneta.''
Asked if the El Shaddai gathering would serve as a vehicle to promote Charter change, he said: ''I have expressed my views that I am in favor of change.
''Anything that is growing must experience change. In our country, we should open ourselves to change, but that change should benefit the majority.''
While he opposed the initiative of the Ramos administration to amend the Constitution, he believes that now is the ''proper time'' for the undertaking, he added.
Velarde also said the El Shaddai gathering would not be a rally but merely the annual celebration of its anniversary which coincides with his birthday.
''Nothing political is involved in this celebration at the Luneta,'' he said.
Asked if Imelda Marcos, widow of the strongman Ferdinand Marcos, was invited, he said: ''Everybody's invited at the Luneta.''
Velarde readily obliged when asked if he had a message for those participating at the pro-democracy rally.
''We are all for the preservation of our freedoms,'' he said.
''Let us give all the Filipinos the freedom to think, the freedom to express and the freedom to assemble. That is what democracy is all about.''
He also said a variety of opinions should be upheld, and that people should not be forced to hew to the views of others.
According to the 1998 Guinness Book of World Records, the world's biggest birthday party was attended by an estimated 35,000 people in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sept. 8, 1979.
It was held to celebrate the 89th birthday of Col. Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Would El Shaddai break this standing record?
Consider this: The crowd that attended its 29th anniversary celebration on August 16-17, 2013 last year was estimated at more than three million people.
The affair, at which Mr. Estrada and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Sr. were present, was televised live nationwide via satellite on IBC-13.
El Shaddai is composed of two groups: the covenant (with 209,523 officially registered members) and the non-committed (estimated by the movement itself to number eight million).
With the numbers, how many lechon, etc. will Velarde need to feed the whole flock? More important, how much will the feast cost him?
The INQUIRER checked prices at Lydia's Lechon, Baliwag Lechon Manok and Andok's Lechon Manok.
These are the figures:
- Lechon baboy goes for P3,500 for a 12-kilo pig and P8,500 for a 42-kilo pig at Lydia's.
- Lechon baka costs P18,000 for a 60-kilo calf and P21,000 for a 70-kilo calf, also at Lydia's.
- Lechon manok is sold at P175 per kilo at Baliwag, and P170 per kilo at Andok's.
Assuming that Rizal Park has no structures, it can normally accommodate about 1,057,666 people (if tightly crammed, 2,115,332).
Thursday, August 21, 2014
LRT Line 1 Refurbished Rolling Stock Project
Project Description
First and most urgent is the purchase of 48 additional coaches for LRT-1 that will cost around P3.8 billion.
Additional coaches will increase passenger load of trains and decrease the waiting time at the stations which is currently at 6-7 minutes.
The international standard is 2-3 minutes waiting time.
A refurbished BN ACEC 1st Generation LRV and Kinki Sharyo and Nippon Sharyo 3rd Generation LRV features a Active Route Map and the STARiS version 2.0 features real-time multi-purpose displays that features landmarks in the vicinity of a station when the train arrives at a station. Animated advertisements, including local commercials and movie trailers will also be available.
The 4-car BN ACEC 1st Generation LRV and Kinki Sharyo and Nippon Sharyo 3rd Generation LRV stainless steel trains feature electrically operated automatic sliding doors, larger gangway, air-conditioning, dedicated space for passengers with reduced mobility, route map in English & Traditional Chinese, LED display and announcement for passenger information, and luggage racks. They will be equipped with a regenerative braking system ensuring significant energy savings. These cars, although similar to their counterparts running on the LRT-1, they feature LCD showing the station number and station name in each car.
The trains underwent a four year mid-life refurbishment program, which was completed on 2 January 2017.
Implementing Agency
- Light Rail Transit Authority
- Department of Transportation and Communications
LRT-MRT-PNR Modernization Project
Project Description
Because of an expanding rail network, the LRT-MRT-PNR System Map could no longer afford to have each direction of travel represented by a different color. Eventually, the map would run out of colors to use to represent each direction of travel. This was the main reason behind the revamp. Using the acclaimed London Underground Map as a reference, the LRT-MRT-PNR System Map was revamped, as announced by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Mr. Joseph Emilio Abaya.
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| LRT System Map |
Colors were used to represent each line rather than each direction of travel, cutting the usage of colors by half and preserving other colors for future lines.
- Red for North-South Line
- Green for East-West Line
- Blue for North-Southwest Line
- Yellow for Espana-Commonwealth Line
- Rich Maroon for Caloocan-Fort Bonifacio Line
- Purple for North-East Line
- Orange for East Rail Line
- Grey for Rizal Park-North Avenue Line
- Pink for C5 Line
The Manila LRT and MRT to have Automatic platform gates in underground and elevated stations that prevents riders from falling on to the tracks. Line 1 to 12 stations also have LCD screens that display the wait times for the next train. Line 1 to 12 trains have digital voice announcements and LCD passenger information display. Automated station announcements are recorded in English, Hong Kong Cantonese, Standard Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Filipino.
Platform screen doors by Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company Ltd (a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group) are installed at all elevated LRT and MRT stations. Manila's Light Rail Transit (LRT) was the second rapid transit system in Southeast Asia world to incorporate platform screen doors in its stations in 2005. These doors serve to prevent suicides, enable climate control within the station (better ventilation and air conditioning), better security control as access to the tunnels and tracks is restricted and for passenger safety considerations.
There is generally 2 series of the full height platform screen doors in use. The first series, installed at all elevated and underground stations along the North South Line, the East West Line (except Katipunan station in Quezon City) and the EDSA Line (except Buendia and Ayala Station in Makati City), have been in use since 2007. These cost about an additional S$1 million per platform. The latest series of platform screen doors, featuring a sleeker design and incorporating more glass surfaces, are installed at all elevated stations along the two driverless trains, North East Line and Circle Line. The Shaw Boulevard and Boni stations had installed screen doors, on the basic existing lines.
Aside from the modernization of the system, the LRT, MRT and PNR provides an obstacle-free environment within the entire system; all stations and trains are handicap accessible. Features include: handicap-capable restrooms, ramps, walkalators, escalators and elevators for wheelchairs and strollers, tactile guide paths, extra-wide faregates, and trains with a designated wheelchair area.
Each station is equipped with LED passenger information displays and LCD TVs both in the concourse and on the platforms which display the notification ticker to display announcements and train arrival and departure times.
Also includes the fare integration of the lines using the Credit Card Rechargeable Contactless SmartCard Technology to facilitate the transfer of passengers between the existing lines making it more convenient to travel using the railway system.
Recently a new study for the Metro Manila Rail Network has been unveiled by the DOTC undersecretary for Public Information Dante Velasco that LRT 1, MRT 2, and MRT 3 will be under one management, The Light Rail Transit Authority. This is due to maintenance cost issues for Line 1's maintenance cost is approximately Php 35 Million only, Line 2 is Php 25 Million only, while Line 3 has a staggering Php 100 Million maintenance cost. Another reason for this study is for the unification of the LRT 1 and the MRT 3 lines. According to DOTC Undersecretary for Rails Glicerio Sicat, the transfer is set by the government in June 2015.
Recently a new study for the Metro Manila Rail Network has been unveiled by the DOTC undersecretary for Public Information Dante Velasco that LRT 1, MRT 2, and MRT 3 will be under one management, The Light Rail Transit Authority. This is due to maintenance cost issues for Line 1's maintenance cost is approximately Php 35 Million only, Line 2 is Php 25 Million only, while Line 3 has a staggering Php 100 Million maintenance cost. Another reason for this study is for the unification of the LRT 1 and the MRT 3 lines. According to DOTC Undersecretary for Rails Glicerio Sicat, the transfer is set by the government in June 2015.
As of January 13, 2011, Light Rail Transit Authority Chief Rafael S. Rodriguez took over as officer-in-charge of MRT-3 in preparation for the integration of operations of Yellow, Purple, and Blue Lines.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and various mayors of Metro Manila through the Metro Manila Council (MMC) have approved plans by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to extend the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and LRT 2 lines.
The extension plans were approved in Monday's meeting of the MMC serving as the Regional Development Council (RDC) at the Makati City Hall on January 23, 2014
The DOTC said that although the LRT Line 1 North-South Line (which runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to the Roosevelt Station in Quezon City) is physically connected with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line, operationally it is not.
Implementing Agency
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and various mayors of Metro Manila through the Metro Manila Council (MMC) have approved plans by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to extend the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 and LRT 2 lines.
The extension plans were approved in Monday's meeting of the MMC serving as the Regional Development Council (RDC) at the Makati City Hall on January 23, 2014
The DOTC said that although the LRT Line 1 North-South Line (which runs from Baclaran in Pasay City to the Roosevelt Station in Quezon City) is physically connected with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line, operationally it is not.
Implementing Agency
- Light Rail Transit Authority (Lines 1 and 2)
- Metro Rail Transit Corporation (Line 3 and Line 5)
- Philippine National Railways (NorthRail and SouthRail)
- Universal LRT Corporation (Line 4, 7, 8 and 9)
- Department of Transportation and Communications
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Briefing by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project
The Committee listened to the presentation conducted by DOTC Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Fortunato Caringal on the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.
Caringal said the NSCR involves the establishment of double-track elevated-level commuter train lines between Malolos, Bulacan and Calamba, Laguna. Considering the huge cost of the project which is P271.19 billion, Caringal explained that it is more feasible and financially viable to divide the project into three phases, namely Malolos to Tutuban (Phase I), Caloocan to Tutuban to Calamba (Phase II), and an express lane link to Diosdado Macapagal Airport (Phase III). Phase I of the project will be funded by a loan from China Export-Import Bank and is expected to be completed by 2019. Phase II of the project will be funded through public-private partnership (PPP), Caringal added.
Rep. Acedillo underscored the need to involve the PNR in the planning process since it is most likely that the PNR will be the one to regulate the operator of the railway.
Caringal said the PNR will be involved in the project either as regulator or operator, although he said it is better for the PNR to limit itself to the role of regulator.
Commissioner Rainier Butalid of the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) opined that there will be conflict of interest if the PNR acts as both the regulator and operator of the railway line. He said the direction the GCG is taking is to take away the commercial function of GOCCs, like the PNR, and leave it to the private sector; and to retain and strengthen the regulatory function of the GOCCs.
ABAKADA Party-List Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz requested the DOTC to submit the following: feasibility study on the NSCR; report on the status of the North Rail, MRT 3, and LRT 1 and 2 projects; and the status of DOTC railway plans and projects in Visayas and Mindanao.
Caringal said the NSCR involves the establishment of double-track elevated-level commuter train lines between Malolos, Bulacan and Calamba, Laguna. Considering the huge cost of the project which is P271.19 billion, Caringal explained that it is more feasible and financially viable to divide the project into three phases, namely Malolos to Tutuban (Phase I), Caloocan to Tutuban to Calamba (Phase II), and an express lane link to Diosdado Macapagal Airport (Phase III). Phase I of the project will be funded by a loan from China Export-Import Bank and is expected to be completed by 2019. Phase II of the project will be funded through public-private partnership (PPP), Caringal added.
Rep. Acedillo underscored the need to involve the PNR in the planning process since it is most likely that the PNR will be the one to regulate the operator of the railway.
Caringal said the PNR will be involved in the project either as regulator or operator, although he said it is better for the PNR to limit itself to the role of regulator.
Commissioner Rainier Butalid of the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG) opined that there will be conflict of interest if the PNR acts as both the regulator and operator of the railway line. He said the direction the GCG is taking is to take away the commercial function of GOCCs, like the PNR, and leave it to the private sector; and to retain and strengthen the regulatory function of the GOCCs.
ABAKADA Party-List Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz requested the DOTC to submit the following: feasibility study on the NSCR; report on the status of the North Rail, MRT 3, and LRT 1 and 2 projects; and the status of DOTC railway plans and projects in Visayas and Mindanao.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Awarding of LRT 1 extension deal also deferred (by Lorenz S. Marasigan, BusinessMirror)
Posted at 08/11/2014 9:33 AM | Updated as of 08/11/2014 9:33 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has decided to also shelve the awarding of the P64.9-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension deal to its winning bidder following the stay order issued by the Supreme Court (SC) on the relocation of the P1.4-billion Common Station.
Transportation Spokesman Michael Arthur C. Sagcal said the DOTC decided to defer the granting of the multibillion-peso contract to the Light Rail Manila Consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. as this might violate the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the High Court against the department and the railway regulator in view of the complaint filed by SM Prime Holdings Inc.
“We are still looking at how the TRO could affect the awarding of the LRT Cavite Extension deal. In the meantime, that we are reviewing the legal implications of this, we are holding the awarding of the contract,” he said in a phone interview on Sunday.
The design component of the common station was included in the P65-billion railway-expansion contract.
The Supreme Court last month issued a stay order enjoining the transportation agency and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) from transferring the common station in front of SM North Edsa to the new site in front of TriNoma Mall, both of which are situated in Quezon City.
The property arm of SM Investments Corp. and the two government agencies were ordered to submit their comments on the matter until today.
However, more than the location of the common hub, what matters for a member of the winning consortium is the awarding of the multibillion-peso railway deal.
MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said his firm is reviewing if there are any legal options at its disposal to hasten the awarding of the P65-billion railway-extension deal.
“We’re neutral as to where it is. We are open to both as we don’t have any business in real estate; we’re just interested in the train system,” he said in an interview.
‘Our position...stands’
In order to appease the Sy family, which earlier paid P200 million for the naming rights of the common hub, the government proposed to construct two “mini” common stations to end the feud on the facility’s location.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya earlier said his agency is mulling over the prospect of constructing two common stations to address the legal issues hounding the project.
Under the original proposal, the common station will connect three urban transit lines: the LRT 1, the MRT 3, and the future MRT Line 7, which will run from the Common Station to Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue.
The new proposal, Sagcal said, is being finalized by the DOTC.
SM Prime Legal Counsel Ryan C. San Juan, however, noted that the property arm of the Sy family’s holdings firm is yet to receive the actual offer of the transportation agency, thus, its position on the issue remains: that the common station must solely be built in front of SM North Edsa and not near rival TriNoma Mall’s vicinity.
“Our position, as expressed in our statement last week, and in the cases we filed, thus, stands,” he said in a brief text message.
Earlier this year, the transport agency’s chief said his office has chosen the Ayala-owned TriNoma Mall to be the location for the common hub, as this would result in a more advantageous deal for the government.
But the move, SM Prime argued was in violation of a memorandum of agreement it struck with the LRTA in September 2009 on the construction of the common station in front of SM City North Edsa.
SM Prime also emphasized that the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) approved the common station’s location to be in front of the Sy-owned mall during the previous administration, in exchange of P200 million for its naming rights.
But the government argued that the Neda approval has already been outdated, citing a 2013 agreement inked by the planning board.
This prompted the publicly listed firm to seek legal remedies, bringing the case to the high court.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
2011 – 2016 Philippine Development Plan
Infrastructure Sector, Intermediate Outcome
Enhanced quality, adequacy and accessibility of facilities and services.Transport Subsector Vision
A safe, secure, efficient, viable, competitive, dependable, integrated, environmentally sustainable and people-oriented Philippine transport system.
PDP 2011-2016 Strategies, Focus and Development Objectives
Transportation Plan
Objectives
- To ensure an integrated and coordinated transport network
- To ensure transport safety and security
- To promote development conflict-affected and highly impoverished areas
Objectives
To ensure an integrated and coordinated transport network
Strategies:
- Adopt a comprehensive long-term national transport policy
- Develop strategic transport infrastructure and maintain/manage transport infrastructure assets
- Develop an integrated multi-modal logistics and transport system
To ensure transport safety and security
Strategy:
- Comply with safety and security standards
To promote development of conflict-affected and highly impoverished areas
Strategy:
- Provide linkages to bring communities into the mainstream of progress and development
DOTC Plans, Programs, and Projects
- Rapid Transit
- Commuter Rail
- Bus Rapid Transit
- Toll Projects
- Airports
- Ports
- Other Projects
Rails Project
Extension/expansion/rehabilitation/ modernization of Existing Rail Lines
- LRT 1
- LRT 2
- MRT 3
- PNR Commuter
- PNR Inter-city
- Automatic Fare Collection System
Existing Rail Lines (Metro Manila)
- Line 1 Metro
- Line 2 Metro
- Line 3 Metro
- PNR Commuter
- PNR Inter-City
Line 1 Cavite Extension
The LRT Line 1 South Extension Project aims to provide rapid and reliable access to and from the densely populated residential sub-urban communities south of Manila, and the various strategic commercial, industrial, and educational districts in Metro Manila. Savings in travel time and costs will make the mobility of people and goods in the area significantly faster and less costly. The project aims to increase average weekday ridership from 560,000 to 820,000 passengers in 2015.
The LRT Line 1 South Extension Project aims to provide rapid and reliable access to and from the densely populated residential sub-urban communities south of Manila, and the various strategic commercial, industrial, and educational districts in Metro Manila. Savings in travel time and costs will make the mobility of people and goods in the area significantly faster and less costly. The project aims to increase average weekday ridership from 560,000 to 820,000 passengers in 2015.
- Construction of 11.7 km of rail to connect Baclaran terminal station to Niyog in Bacoor, Cavite
- Project Cost: PHP 64.90 Billion
- PPP Structure: Extension and Operation & Maintenance
- Cooperation Period: 35 years inclusive of construction
- Status: NEDA Board approved Ayala-MPIC consortium’s bid. NOA to be released soon.
- Includes construction of 3 intermodal facilities and 1 satellite depot
- Will serve an additional 500,000 to 700,000 riders daily
Line 2 East Extension
- Construction of 4.19 km of rail from Santolan terminal station to Masinag, Antipolo
- Project Cost: Php 9.76 B
- Includes construction of 3 intermodal facilities and 1 satellite depot
- Will serve an additional 120,000 riders daily
Department of Transportation and Communications: Medium Term Development Plan CY 2011-2016
Transportation Plan
Objectives
Objectives
- To ensure an integrated and coordinated transport network
Monday, August 11, 2014
Pangilinan sees TV5 breaking even in about 3 years
THE third-largest media network in the Philippines could break even in three years' time as its losses are gradually narrowing, TV5 Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
"The losses are declining slowly and the numbers are getting better... [We expect to break even] not until maybe three years from now," Mr. Pangilinan said on the sidelines of a media briefing on Thursday in Makati City.
The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group, through unit MediaQuest Corp, acquired ABC Development Corp., the operator of TV5, in 2009. Mediaquest bought TV5 from the Cojuangco group for P4 billion, and acquired MPB Primedia of Malaysia, the network's major block-timer, for $16 million. Around P12 billion was budgeted for capital expenditures and programming.
Early this month, Pilipinas Global Network Ltd. (PGN), a joint venture between PLDT and ABC Development Corp., signed an agreement with Malaysia's MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. to broadcast TV5 content channels to over 120 countries across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Eastern Africa.
Under the terms of the agreement signed by the two companies on Monday, PGN Limited will use MEASAT-3 to distribute the Aksyon TV International and Kapatid TV5 channels to over 120 countries.
When asked in November how the network will break even, news reports quoted Mr. Pangilinan as saying "We have to shift away from consumer capitalism, commodity capitalism to intellectual capitalism. In that regard, innovation is key, and the ability to embrace change, take risks."
In 2004, PLDT-Beneficial Trust Fund attempted to buy 66.7% of GMA Network for P8.5 billion. Negotiations ended when the fund's unit, MediaQuest, cut its offer to P12 billion from P14.6 billion.
Interests related to PLDT own TV5, BusinessWorld, and the Philippine Star, as well as a minority stake in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
PLDT reported muted second-quarter and first-half profit growth -- though on track to meet its full-year goal -- on the back of a modest revenue increase amid a faster rate of growth in expenses.
Net profit growth was little changed at 0.68% to P10.609 billion in the second quarter. For the half, net profit was P20.001 billion, up just 1.4%.
On Friday, PLDT's shares ended at P3,000 apiece, down P14 or 0.46% from Thursday. -- Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz
The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) group, through unit MediaQuest Corp, acquired ABC Development Corp., the operator of TV5, in 2009. Mediaquest bought TV5 from the Cojuangco group for P4 billion, and acquired MPB Primedia of Malaysia, the network's major block-timer, for $16 million. Around P12 billion was budgeted for capital expenditures and programming.
Early this month, Pilipinas Global Network Ltd. (PGN), a joint venture between PLDT and ABC Development Corp., signed an agreement with Malaysia's MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. to broadcast TV5 content channels to over 120 countries across the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Eastern Africa.
Under the terms of the agreement signed by the two companies on Monday, PGN Limited will use MEASAT-3 to distribute the Aksyon TV International and Kapatid TV5 channels to over 120 countries.
When asked in November how the network will break even, news reports quoted Mr. Pangilinan as saying "We have to shift away from consumer capitalism, commodity capitalism to intellectual capitalism. In that regard, innovation is key, and the ability to embrace change, take risks."
In 2004, PLDT-Beneficial Trust Fund attempted to buy 66.7% of GMA Network for P8.5 billion. Negotiations ended when the fund's unit, MediaQuest, cut its offer to P12 billion from P14.6 billion.
Interests related to PLDT own TV5, BusinessWorld, and the Philippine Star, as well as a minority stake in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
PLDT reported muted second-quarter and first-half profit growth -- though on track to meet its full-year goal -- on the back of a modest revenue increase amid a faster rate of growth in expenses.
Net profit growth was little changed at 0.68% to P10.609 billion in the second quarter. For the half, net profit was P20.001 billion, up just 1.4%.
On Friday, PLDT's shares ended at P3,000 apiece, down P14 or 0.46% from Thursday. -- Chrisee Jalyssa V. Dela Paz
MPIC to abide by SC rule on LRT-MRT common station site
MANILA, Philippines, August 11, 2014 (STAR) - Infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) vowed to comply with the decision of the Supreme Court with regards to the final location of the proposed P1.4 billion common station connecting the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) systems.
MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said it has adopted a neutral position on the location of the common train station that is subject to a tug-of-war by two of its major business partners.
“We are partners with them. The SM Group is with us in the tollways business while Ayala is with us in LRT1 and the single ticketing system. So we are neutral,” Pangilinan said.
The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) as well as the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) from transferring the location of the train station to Trinoma Mall of property giant Ayala Land and SM City North EDSA of mall and banking giant Henry Sy.
Pangilinan said the company is open to both locations and would abide by the decision of the high tribunal as to the final site of the train station that would house the LRT1, MRT3, and MRT7 of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
“We are agnostic whether where it is located. It is either in SM, Trinoma or somewhere in between. We are just interested in the train system. If the Supreme Court tells us move here then we will move there,” he said.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The legal battle has put on hold the issuance of the Notice of Award to the MPIC-led Light Rail Manila Consortium that offered P9.35 billion to undertake the P65 billion LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project.
The TRO issued by the Supreme Court has tied the hands of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from issuing the final green light for the public private partnership (PPP) project.
MPIC Light Rail Corp. leads the Light Rail Manila Consortium with 55 percent followed by AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of conglomerate Ayala Corp. with 35 percent, and Macquaire Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte Ltd. with 10 percent.
Pangilinan said the company would abide by the decision of the Supreme Court on the final location of the train station.
“The common station being in Trinoma is part of the terms of reference of the bid. I doubt whether unless that issue is resolved by the Supreme Court, the DOTC will award the project since it could be cited for contempt,” he added.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has proposed the construction of a “mini” train station that would house LRT1, MRT3 and MRT7 in front of SM City North EDSA apart from the common station in front of Trinoma Mall that would serve LRT1 and MRT3 as a “win-win” solution to the legal battle.
MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said it has adopted a neutral position on the location of the common train station that is subject to a tug-of-war by two of its major business partners.
“We are partners with them. The SM Group is with us in the tollways business while Ayala is with us in LRT1 and the single ticketing system. So we are neutral,” Pangilinan said.
The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) as well as the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) from transferring the location of the train station to Trinoma Mall of property giant Ayala Land and SM City North EDSA of mall and banking giant Henry Sy.
Pangilinan said the company is open to both locations and would abide by the decision of the high tribunal as to the final site of the train station that would house the LRT1, MRT3, and MRT7 of diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
“We are agnostic whether where it is located. It is either in SM, Trinoma or somewhere in between. We are just interested in the train system. If the Supreme Court tells us move here then we will move there,” he said.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
The legal battle has put on hold the issuance of the Notice of Award to the MPIC-led Light Rail Manila Consortium that offered P9.35 billion to undertake the P65 billion LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project.
The TRO issued by the Supreme Court has tied the hands of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) from issuing the final green light for the public private partnership (PPP) project.
MPIC Light Rail Corp. leads the Light Rail Manila Consortium with 55 percent followed by AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp. of conglomerate Ayala Corp. with 35 percent, and Macquaire Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte Ltd. with 10 percent.
Pangilinan said the company would abide by the decision of the Supreme Court on the final location of the train station.
“The common station being in Trinoma is part of the terms of reference of the bid. I doubt whether unless that issue is resolved by the Supreme Court, the DOTC will award the project since it could be cited for contempt,” he added.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has proposed the construction of a “mini” train station that would house LRT1, MRT3 and MRT7 in front of SM City North EDSA apart from the common station in front of Trinoma Mall that would serve LRT1 and MRT3 as a “win-win” solution to the legal battle.
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