Tag: transportation

Philippines Economic Weakness Continues As 2nd Quarter GDP Growth Lands At 2.3%

Philippines Economic Weakness Continues As 2nd Quarter GDP Growth Lands At 2.3%

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The economy of the Philippines slowed down even further in the 2nd quarter of 2026 landing at 2.3%, according to a news report by GMA News. Embarrassingly, this made the Philippines an economic weakling among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

By comparison, the economy of the Philippines achieved only 2.8% growth in the 1st quarter of this year. The nation’s economic growth for 2025 was at 4.4%

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine economy continued to slow down in the second quarter of 2026, still due to a subdued investor and consumer sentiment amid the lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal and the inflationary pressure brought by Middle East crisis-induced global fuel price shocks, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday.

At a press conference, PSA chief and National Statistician Claire Dennis Mapa said the economy, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP)—the value of goods and services produced in a period— grew 2.3% in the April to June 2026 period, slower than the 2.8% growth seen in the first quarter of 2026.

This is the economy’s weakest footing since the fourth quarter of 2009 —excluding the contraction seen during the COVID-19 pandemic years— when the GDP growth rate was at 1.8%.

The 2.8% second quarter GDP growth put the Philippines behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia that already released their April to June economic growth rates such as Indonesia at 5.29%, Vietnam at 8.39%, and Singapore at 5.7%.

The first half of 2026 GDP growth rate stood at 2.6%, still behind the government’s downwardly revised target of 3.5% to 4.5% for the entire year.

Despite the economic slowdown, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “What we are experiencing right now, I believe, is transitory, temporary.”

“Domestic demand remained subdued, mainly because total investment continued to contract as public construction declined. Household consumption growth also moderated amid higher inflation, job losses, and lower remittance receipts arising from the Middle East conflict,” Balisacan said.

Household final consumption expenditure grew 2.8%, slower than 5.2% in the same period last year, weighed by contractions in transport (-7.5%), alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-1.9%), recreation and culture (-0.8%), and restaurants and hotels (-0.2%).

Government expenditure, likewise, slowed down by 8.3% from 8.7% year-on-year; while gross capital formation (GCF) —which measures investments— contracted by 9.2% from a growth rate of 0.9% a year ago.

The decline in GCF was due to the decline in construction at 14.8% with government spending on construction contracting 32.4%.

“Although public construction is a small part of the economy, the amount of contraction, at 32%, brought a significant impact on the economy,” Balisacan said.

“The sharp decline in public construction was the main contributor in the decline in investments… driven by continuous caution due to the flood control scandal,” the country’s chief economist said.

Among the major economic sectors, agriculture posted a growth rate of 2.7%, slower than 7% year-on-year; industry declined by 2.4%, from an increase of 2.1% weighed by the construction’s depreciation; services grew slower at 4.5% from 6.9%.

Agriculture, industry, and services sector contributed 7.5%, 27.9%, and 63.3%, respectively to the total GDP during the quarter.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines will eventually fall into a recession in 2027? Do you believe that the hosting of the ASEAN summit by the Philippines will result in economic miracles and more foreign investment?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines July 2026 Inflation Still Above Government Ceiling

Philippines July 2026 Inflation Still Above Government Ceiling

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Inflation here in the Philippines for the month of July 2026 landed at 6.2% which is clearly above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%, according to a business news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News business report. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s inflation rate slowed down further for the third straight month in July 2026 amid improved fuel supply conditions during the period, when the Middle East conflict was waning.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, National Statistician and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) chief Claire Dennis Mapa said inflation — the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services — slowed down 6.2% last month from 6.4% in June 2026.

July’s inflation print brought the year-to-date rate to 5%, still above the government’s comfortable ceiling of 2% to 4%.

Mapa said the main contributor to the downtrend was the slower increase in the Transport index at 11.9% from 12.8% month-on-month.

“Ito [Transport] ay may 57.4% share sa pagbaba ng pangkalahatang inflation sa bansa (It had a share of 57.4% to the overall deceleration of the country’s inflation),” the PSA chief said.

This as inflation for gasoline and other passenger transport by road slowed down to 34.1% from 39.2% and 5.3% from 5.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, food inflation was steady at 5.3%, as lower meat prices and slower increases in vegetable prices offset sharper rice inflation.

“Every peso saved from slower price increases means more room for the family budget for food, transport, education and other essential needs,” Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

“While challenges remain, particularly in managing food price pressures, these results show that our interventions are making a difference in easing the impact on Filipino households,” Balisacan said.

The DEPDev chief the government’s UPLIFT Committee will continue implementing targeted interventions to protect vulnerable sectors from the effects of higher prices and other economic shocks.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the government is running out of new ideas on bringing down inflation? Do you think the high inflation is a sign that the economy of the Philippines will grow weaker going into 2027? Do you think inflation will end up above 5% by the end of this year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

LTO Says Local Government Units Have No Legal No Basis To Confiscate Drivers’ Licenses

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Did a local government unit (LGU) outside of Metro Manila confiscate your driver’s license because you committed a traffic violation within their jurisdiction? The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified publicly that all LGUs have no legal basis to confiscate the licenses of drivers who committed traffic violations, according to a news report by GMA News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Land Transportation Office on Thursday said local government units have no legal basis to confiscate the drivers’ licenses of traffic violators.

“The LTO wishes to clarify to the public that it is currently implementing Department of Transportation (DOTr) Memorandum Circular No. 001-2026, which sets the policy regarding the non-confiscation of driver’s licenses during apprehension,” the agency said in a statement on its official Facebook page.

“Bilang pagsunod sa kautusan, pansamantalang hindi kinukumpiska ng mga law enforcement officers na may deputasyon mula sa LTO ang driver’s license ng mga motoristang lumalabag sa batas-trapiko,” it added.

(In compliance with the directive, law enforcement officers deputized by the LTO are temporarily not confiscating the driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws.)

The LTO said it seeks to clarify that existing Supreme Court jurisprudence does not grant traffic enforcement officers the general authority to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.

The agency issued the statement after the City of Bacoor in Cavite on Wednesday issued a, “Clarification on Traffic Enforcement in Bacoor,” on social media.

“The City Government of Bacoor reminds the public that, pursuant to City Ordinance No. 11‑2019, Section 23 of the Revised Traffic Code, our traffic enforcers are duly authorized to confiscate driver’s licenses of motorists who violate traffic laws within the city,” the city announced on Facebook.

The Bacoor LGU said that “the recent Supreme Court ruling applies only to Metro Manila LGUs under the MMDA. Bacoor, being outside Metro Manila, continues to exercise its authority under the Local Government Code and its duly enacted ordinances.”

To which the LTO countered: “Existing administrative issuances from the (Department of Transportation) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government—including Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, Series of 2008, issued by the former DOTC and DILG—acknowledge that traffic enforcers from local government units (LGUs) may issue citation tickets but lack the legal basis to confiscate motorists’ driver’s licenses.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Is the clarification by the LTO clear and transparent enough? When was the last time a local government confiscated your license because you committed a traffic violation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Great Majority Of Las Piñas City Residents Support Dismantling Of C-5 Quirino Flyover To Make Way For LRT-1 Cavite Extension

Great Majority Of Las Piñas City Residents Support Dismantling Of C-5 Quirino Flyover To Make Way For LRT-1 Cavite Extension

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A survey conducted by the office Las Piñas City Representative Mark Santos revealed more than eighty percent of local residents favor the dismantling of the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the delayed LRT-1 Cavite Extension project, according to a news report by the Manila Standard.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard report. Some parts in boldface…

Nearly 82 percent of Las Piñas residents support dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to allow immediate continuation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, a survey conducted by the office of Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos showed.

Santos said the survey, which gathered comments from various social media platforms, found that many residents favor immediate construction of Phase 2 of the 3.2-kilometer LRT-1 Cavite Extension, including the Las Piñas and Zapote stations, over retaining the P300.39-million C-5 Quirino Flyover.

Respondents said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension would provide greater public benefit by reducing travel time, easing traffic congestion and delivering more efficient public transportation for commuters from Las Piñas, Parañaque and Cavite.

Many residents said the temporary inconvenience caused by dismantling part of the flyover would be a small sacrifice if it allowed the railway project to move forward and deliver long-term benefits to the public.

They said completing the LRT-1 Cavite Extension matters more than preserving an infrastructure project they consider a major obstacle to the railway’s completion.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you favor dismantling the C-5 Quirino Flyover to make way for the completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Fuel Subsidy Released To Over 2,000 Tricycle And PUJ Drivers In Las Piñas City

Fuel Subsidy Released To Over 2,000 Tricycle And PUJ Drivers In Las Piñas City

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Recently in Las Piñas City, more than two thousand drivers of tricycles and public utility jeepneys (PUJs) received P5,000 each in fuel subsidy during the payout at Aguilar Sports Complex monitored by local officials, according to the City Government’s announcement.  

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire social media announcement (translated from Tagalog) of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

For those who were not able to claim their subsidy, the Special Fuel Subsidy Payout was held at Aguilar Sports Complex where almost 2,300 Tricycle and PUJ drivers personally received P5,000.

With the cooperation of DSWD-NCR and CSWDO headed by Ms. Lowefe Romulo, the distribution of relief was smooth, fast and organized inside a comfortable and cold venue. Like the previous payout, there is still a help desk to respond to some questions and problems drivers have experienced in relation to their documents.

In this time when oil and gasoline prices are still very high, the city government, under the leadership of Mayor April Aguilar, is ensuring that every registered driver will be provided and will receive the assistance intended for them.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you consider P5,000 sufficient as a fuel subsidy for the tricycle and PUJ drivers of the city?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Non-Resident/Pass Thru Car Stickers Of Alabang Hills Village For 2026-2027 Now Available

Non-Resident/Pass Thru Car Stickers Of Alabang Hills Village For 2026-2027 Now Available

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The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced that the 2026-2027 edition of its car stickers for non-residents motorists are now available and already applications are being accepted.

For accuracy, posted below is the excerpt about the2026-2027 non-resident/pass thru car stickers of Alabang Hills. Take note that the AHVA has a separate arrangement with the federation of BF Homes.

2. NON-RESIDENT

A. Private Cars (all vehicles with 3 or more wheels, including vans, pick-ups, & SUVs)

One-year sticker: P2,500 per car**

B. AHV-BF Residents (Discounted Fee-Reciprocity Arrangement)

-P2,000 per car for 5 cars / household

– personal use only ( business or commercial vehicles are not entitled to discount)

-no discount for applications beyond the deadline

How to apply – click https://alabanghillsvillage.com/non-resident-sticker/

Download the official application form, print it, fill all the details and sign it. Also, get the endorsement of your homeowners’ association (HOA) or federation.

VSAF-Revised-2026Download

Book your appointment online selecting the available dates and time slots. Make sure you bring the vehicle’s official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR). Also prepare the amount of money needed to pay for the new non-resident car sticker.

To find the location of the office of the AHVA, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdph3KyT634KZuBg7

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

First Batch Of Tricycle Drivers Receive Cash Relief Assistance In Las Piñas City

First Batch Of Tricycle Drivers Receive Cash Relief Assistance In Las Piñas City

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Around two thousand tricycle drivers (the first batch) have received their cash relief assistance at the Aguilar Sports Complex recently, according to the social media announcement of the City Government of Las Piñas. Each tricycle driver received P5,000 as relief from the much higher prices of fuel caused by the ongoing war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran which itself attacked multiple nations in the Middle East with missiles and drones.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…

The distribution of P5,000 cash payout of the AICS program for the first batch of tricycle drivers in Las Piñas City was held at Aguilar Sports Complex.

This is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s support to help drivers cope with the continuing rise of oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other offices of the city government are working together to ensure a smooth and peaceful distribution of aid to beneficiaries.

On the first day of payout, almost 2,000 drivers from TODA groups ACAPODA, APHDA, ATODA, BFLTSODA, BFRSSCV, BFRV-VG, CCTODA, CEBMTODA and BFATODA were given cash assistance. Payout will continue in the coming days to provide all registered members of TODA.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you often ride the tricycle when moving around?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Government To Pursue Legal Action Versus Online Shopping Platforms Over The Selling Of Fake Friendship Route Stickers

Las Piñas City Government To Pursue Legal Action Versus Online Shopping Platforms Over The Selling Of Fake Friendship Route Stickers

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In a serious move against the selling of fake friendship route stickers online, the City Government of Las Piñas that it will pursue legal action against three online shopping platforms that constantly made such items available to customers, according to a news report by the Manila Bulletin. The City Government reiterated that using fake friendship route stickers constitutes penalties.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Las Piñas city government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal sale and use of counterfeit Friendship Route stickers and is preparing to pursue legal action against three online platforms.

Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said  the three online platforms were reportedly openly selling counterfeit Friendship Route stickers.

Aguilar stressed that legitimate Friendship Route stickers are distributed free of charge to residents of Las Piñas City.

She warned that selling or using fake stickers is a violation of City Ordinance No. 715-06 and may result in fines and possible imprisonment.

Under the ordinance, violators will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for succeeding offenses.

Those found violating other provisions of the ordinance may face a fine of up to P5,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

While the Manila Bulletin report did not mention the names of the online shopping platforms, the City Government’s official announcement explicitly mentioned Shopee, Lazada and Facebook Marketplace.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Did you notice that fake Las Piñas friendship route stickers have long been offered for sale in online shopping platforms with prices in the hundreds of Pesos each? Do you personally know anyone using a fake friendship route sticker while driving within the city? Do you hope that City Government’s move will compel the online shopping platforms to crack down on the sellers of the fake friendship route stickers?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Road Safety Park In Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

Road Safety Park In Muntinlupa City Inaugurated

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During the 31st City Anniversary celebration of Muntinlupa City, the much-awaited Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park was formally inaugurated by the City Government and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Barangay Tunasan on March 2, according to a news report by The Manila Times.

For insight, the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park is a 3,140 square-meter interactive facility designed to emphasize to children the rules of traffic and traffic discipline through on-location simulations. The facility is located at the Tunasan Baywalk. I first blogged about the road safety park in 2025.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Manila Times. Some parts in boldface…

THE Muntinlupa City government has inaugurated its Road Safety Park in Tunasan village as part of the city’s 31st Cityhood Anniversary celebration, marking what officials described as a long-term investment in safer and more disciplined road use.

The front of the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa)

Established in partnership with the Department of Transportation, the facility is a learning space where children can learn proper road use through simulations and traffic signage.

The park features a mini road network, pedestrian lanes, cycleways, training areas, and road sign installations designed to teach students and young road users the fundamentals of traffic discipline in a controlled environment.

“Together with our 31st Cityhood Anniversary, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa Road Safety Park in partnership with the DOTr. This is a dedicated learning space where children can learn the proper use of the road through actual road simulations and traffic signage,” Mayor Ruffy Biazon said.

The mayor described the project as personal, recalling that while he was still in Congress in 2019, he filed a proposal to integrate road safety into the basic education curriculum.

The ribbon-cutting done by Mayor Ruffy Biazon and DOTr acting transport secretary Giovanni Lopez with lots of guests as witnesses. (photo source – City Government of Muntinlupa).

“I believed then, and I believe even more now, that discipline on the road does not start when getting a driver’s license — it starts while one is still young,” he said.

He added that teaching children at an early age about proper road use, respect for traffic laws, and understanding of road signs would help prevent future accidents and tragedies.

“Roads are a shared responsibility — whether you are a motorist or a pedestrian,” he said.

Biazon said the city immediately proposed the project when funding from the DOTr became available, emphasizing that the park allows children to learn through experience — not only from books but also through actual simulation.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority General Manager Nicolas Torre III attended the inauguration along with other transport and local officials.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you delighted to see the Muntinlupa City Road Safety Park inaugurated and made accessible to the public already? Have you visited the facility already?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

Cerberus’ P5.31 Billion Unsolicited Proposal For Subic Bay International Airport Development Under SBMA’s Review

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When was the last time you visited the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA)? In recent times, the US-based company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) proposed to manage, operate and rehabilitate the said airport for P5.31 billion and it has been endorsed by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. The unsolicited proposal is officially being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), according to a news report by BusinessWorld.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the business news article of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

THE P5.31-billion unsolicited proposal of US-based investment company Cerberus Asia Pacific Investments, LLC (Cerberus) to manage, operate, and upgrade Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) is now being reviewed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after the go signal from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

“This unsolicited project was endorsed by the (PPP) Center to the IA (implementing agency) after being determined complete… The Subic Bay International Airport PPP is currently undergoing the approval process of SBMA,” the PPP Center told BusinessWorld on Tuesday.

According to the PPP Center, the SBMA will be the approving body for the project. If approved, the airport project will be under an operate-add-transfer contract arrangement.

Once the SBMA approves the project, it will begin negotiations with the project proponent. The government will then formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process.

The Swiss Challenge is a process where other companies can submit better offers, but the original proponent has the right to match them.

Cerberus Capital Management is an investment firm managing approximately $65 billion in assets. Its global network of affiliates includes Cerberus Asia Pacific, which focuses on investments in logistics, infrastructure, technology, and energy.

Cerberus already operates part of a 310-hectare lot of a former South Korean-owned shipyard located west of the airport for which it had submitted an unsolicited bid.

“In theory, competitive bidding is king. In the reality of the SBIA, Cerberus is the catalyst we need. It is time to choose strategic results over procedural delays,” Rene S. Santiago, former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, said that solicited bidding would be more feasible and faster, as it enables the government to define the contract’s parameters and coverage.

“Many of our public facilities should be operated by the private sector to attain a lot of the efficiencies that they can do, which are often difficult to attain within the government realm,” Mr. Villarete said.

For Mr. Villarete, a government-led solicited procurement process will always be preferable.

However, since an unsolicited proposal has already been submitted, the government’s role is to enter into negotiations, introduce the necessary changes and amendments, and only then present the proposal to the public for challenge, he said.

“There should be a negotiation period for the two parties to discuss any amendments required by the government before this is published for challenge,” he said.

Cerberus’ proposal covers the rehabilitation of SBIA assets and the development of new facilities to expand capacity and attract new tenants.

The company has also committed to invest “considerable financial resources” and utilize its real estate management capabilities in developing the airport.

In its proposal the company said that it will maintain the existing leases but only for the “early years” of its concession period.

“Cerberus plans to maintain the status quo of existing operations by honoring existing leases and retaining incumbent employees. In parallel, Cerberus will invest significant capital expenditure to improve SBIA’s infrastructure and operations, whilst building new hangars and storage facilities to reestablish SBIA as a major hub for commercial cargo operations and to expand SBIA’s government logistics operations,” it said.

The company added that it will monitor and evaluate airport fees to optimize SBMA’s returns under the revenue-sharing agreement, while supporting efforts to attract and manage both existing and new airport tenants.

This revenue-sharing scheme would be the determining factor if the proposed 25-year concession agreement were extended, PPP Center said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? What is your opinion about the current state of the international airport inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone? Do you think so much more can be achieved with the Subic Bay International Airport in terms of expanding flight connectivity, attracting more tourists from overseas and paving way for more foreign commerce to enter the freeport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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