MANILA, March 24 (PNA) — Philippine conglomerates participating in the major infrastructure projects under public-private partnership (PPP) scheme on Tuesday lauded the government for carrying out successful PPP projects, noting its implementation is at par with neighboring countries.
During the Philippine Investments Forum, San Miguel Corp. president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ramon Ang said the Aquino administration’s PPP projects have attracted many investors, especially local ones.
“I think, the confidence of the investors to our government is really there. And I hope the government will immediately bid out as many projects as possible so that the momentum will be going there,” he said.
Ang believes that the government’s carrying out of PPP projects in the last two years “was quite good and at par with our neighboring countries.”
He said the conglomerate will continue investing in the country’s PPP projects.
“We opt to pool our financial resources and energy to concentrate on all government projects identified for nation-building. That way, we will be able help our country grow positively,” he added.
Jorge Consunji, president and CEO DM Consunji Inc., said the sizes of the PPP projects that are being bidded out are growing.
Consunji said the government has awarded nine PPP contracts and 16 more projects will be rolled out this year.
“We welcome this and we hope this will continue… We are positive about investment climate in the country,” he said.
To improve PPP initiative, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. President and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez underscored the need for predictable scenario for investments.
“I hope that once this administration awards (contracts), the succeeding administration will also honor the sanctity of the contracts,” he explained.
Further, Consunji said the government needs to address right-of-way (ROW) issues facing PPP projects. (PNA)