The private sector is cognizant of the great need for massive infrastructure investments to support and boost
the growth of the Philippine economy. We recognize that the government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
Program provides the framework by which infrastructure development can be accelerated and properly
tendered to interested and capable parties.
While the PPP Program encountered some difficulties in its initial stages, it has since begun to catch up, with
high-impact projects being steadily rolled out, catching the attention of domestic and international investors.
It is imperative that this pipeline be clear of any blockages and inconsistencies if we are to protect the credibility
of this program and our procurement system as a whole. In light of this, the proposed rebidding of the
Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) would be an inopportune and ill-advised decision that would surely
have a negative impact on our improving standing in the investor community.
It is our strong belief that the Department of Public Works and Highways conducted the bidding of the
Cavite-Laguna Expressway with complete transparency and fairness, and in full compliance with the BOT
Law. As such, we believe that there is no legal basis for rebidding the project. We share the concern of our
colleagues in the private sector that a disregard of the present rules through a rebid will adversely impact
investor confidence in the PPP Program and in our bidding procedures, which the DPWH and the PPP
Center have been painstakingly reforming for the better, and consequently promoting here and abroad.
Thus, we call on government to remain consistent with the provisions of the BOT Law, not just in this
particular case but also for the other projects in the pipeline. We also call on government to swiftly enact the
amendments to the BOT Law that will institutionalize the PPP Center and its processes, and which we believe
will further strengthen our PPP framework and prevent hindrances to the implementation of critical public
projects.
Consistency and predictability in policy and adherence to rules, among other factors, form the bedrock of
investor confidence in any economy. In light of the significant attention that the Philippines has been gaining
from the international and domestic investing community, it is our firm belief that the country must hold fast
to these principles in order to sustain the gains that the country has achieved in the past four years.
Makati Business Club (MBC)
American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham)
Australian-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ANZCham)
Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (CanCham)
Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)
European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP)
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. (JCCIPI)
Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
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