Pasig City, Philippines - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has shown a clear preference for solicited bids in the operations and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2). Secretary Arsenio Balisacan highlighted this stance during a media training event in Pasig City.
According to Philippines News Agency, solicited proposals are more likely to yield optimal outcomes. He emphasized the uncertainty inherent in unsolicited bids, noting the difficulty in assessing their value without comprehensive comparison. The event, organized by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines at Wynwood Hotel, provided a platform for this disclosure.
Further, Balisacan mentioned that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has yet to submit a formal proposal to NEDA's board for review but is actively considering this approach. The proposal, once submitted, will undergo thorough evaluation by the NEDA Board or its secretariat, weighing the pros and cons of each bid.
Currently, the MRT-3 is managed by the Metro Rail Transit Corp. (MRTC), and the LRT-2 falls under the jurisdiction of the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). The build-lease-transfer agreement between the government and MRTC is due to expire in 2025, prompting the exploration of new management options.
Earlier this year, the DOTr announced plans to unify the operations and maintenance of MRT Line 3 and LRT Line 2. Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez disclosed that the proposed plan includes transferring MRT-3 management to the LRTA, aiming to streamline operations and maintenance across both transit lines.