Source:  Philippine Star, 03 December 2011

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang said today that the government is going “full blast” in its public-private partnership (PPP) projects next year.

“We’re going full blast by 2012 and we expect more PPP projects coming out… both from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC),” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a television interview.

Lacierda said that the government will bid out this year the Daang Hari-SouthLuzon Expressway Road construction project and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) project.

He said there are already interested bidders for the Daang-Hari project and it is expected to be awarded before year’s end.

Lacierda added that the Department of Education is also looking on PPP for the construction of more classrooms.

“The respective Cabinet will be announcing the forthcoming PPP projects,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lacierda reiterated that the government has instituted reforms to be able to scrutinize projects in the pipe line while at the same time ensuring its speedy implementation.

He said that projects that could still be included in the 2011 bidding list will be the P6.8-billion New Bohol (Panglao) airport project, the P8.85-billion LRT Line 2 East extension, the P83.25-billion LRT Line 1 South extension, the P4.14-billion Puerto Princesa airport development project, the P450- to P675-million-a-year Laguindingan Airport O&M contract, and the P6.88-billion New Legaspi airport development.