SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The conglomerate of Manuel V. Pangilinan has discussed with the government the possibility of building a connector road that will link Manila North Harbor and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Chairman Pangilinan said during a Christmas lunch in Makati City that his firm is considering a project that would connect Manila North Harbor and CAVITEX through an underwater expressway or a bridge.
“[We’ve proposed to the government] very informally. It’s just a thought on my part. We should study the way to connect the Harbor because doon lalapag yung tollways namin (that is where our tollways will pass through). Before it switches to the east towards PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines),” Pangilinan told reporters last week.
The MPIC chairman said his firm will study how they can connect it to CAVITEX “so people can travel from north to south without having to enter the city, unless you wanted to.”
The business tycoon said his group is thinking of pursuing a technical feasibility study to know the viability of building such road.
“We have to do our feasibility study, especially the cost. There are two alternatives: Either you’ll go underwater or you go above the water,” Pangilinan said.
Should MPIC push through with the infrastructure project, the connector road will fall under the scheme of unsolicited proposal. This will need the green light of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board and may be subjected to a Swiss challenge.
A Swiss challenge allows other companies to match the offer of the main proponent, in this case, MPIC.
Its tollways subsidiary Manila North Tollways Corporation operates CAVITEX, which will be linked to the Cavite-Laguna expressway (CALAX).
CALAX is a public-private partnership awarded to MPIC’s unit MP CALA Holdings Incorporated.
Manila North Tollways also offered to link the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
For almost 6 years, its unsolicited proposal is still awaiting the go-signal of the NEDA Board.
The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road would link from C-3 in Caloocan City to the PUP campus in Sta Mesa, Manila. Parts of the segment will be elevated above the rail lines of the Philippine National Railways. – Rappler.com
CAVITEX photo from the expressway’s website
Manila North Harbour photo from the port operator’s website
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