Manila - The Philippine government is set to award five public-private partnership (PPP) projects totaling PHP50.57 billion by the end of 2024, with three additional projects expected the following year. This initiative is supported by the recent implementation of Republic Act No. 11966, the PPP Code, which has streamlined the process for the approval and implementation of infrastructure projects across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jeffrey Manalo, Deputy Executive Director of the PPP Center, detailed the impact of the new law and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) during an interview over the weekend. The PPP Code, enacted on December 5, 2023, and its IRR, which took effect on April 6, 2024, have established fixed deadlines for government agencies to review and approve PPP projects. Manalo emphasized that these measures have made the approval process more predictable and reduced delays in decision-making, as all involved parties must adhere to the specified timelines.
Under the new law, PPP projects are required to secure approval within 120 calendar days, a significant reduction from the previous 18 months. Projects bypassing the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board can be approved even faster, within 90 days. Manalo highlighted that the law's implementation ensures that each day brings the projects closer to the tender phase and subsequent execution.
The PPP Center currently manages a pipeline of 125 projects valued at PHP3 trillion. The projects advancing under the new system include significant infrastructure ventures such as the PHP23.4-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Extension and the PHP12.75-billion upgrade and expansion of Laguindingan Airport in Northern Mindanao. Other projects nearing completion of their PPP process include the PHP9.49-billion Cancer Center at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, the PHP4.53-billion New Bohol International Airport, and a PHP400-million dialysis center at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.
Manalo also mentioned forthcoming projects slated for award by the end of this year or next, including the PHP1.2-billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project and two initiatives in Surigao del Sur—the PHP710-million Bislig City Bulk Water Supply and the PHP80-million Biglig City Septage Project.