The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center encouraged public and private sectors to contribute their insights on the development of processes in creating social and physical infrastructures.
It discussed discussed major reforms in the PPP Code with the public, such as unifying fragmented legal frameworks on PPPs and streamlining the approval process of projects.
It also communicated with the private stakeholders to get their insights as to how the rules of the Code will align with social realities.
Gov't engages public, private stakeholders on PPP code rules
Jan 25, 2024 06:10 AM
At a glance
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center is in discussions with both public and private sectors to advance the development of processes for creating social and physical infrastructure, in line with the government's push to boost the economy.
PPP Center officials discussed major reforms in the PPP Code with the public, such as unifying fragmented legal frameworks on PPPs, streamlining the evaluation and approval process of national and local PPP projects, introducing frameworks and protocols in project monitoring, and strengthening institutions for PPPs.
The online consultation session was attended by national government agencies and regional line agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities, local government units, private sector organizations, and members of the general public.
It also aimed to highlight public interest measures such as mandatory disclosure of tender documents and PPP contracts, preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials, and locally produced goods, as well as administrative, civil, and penal sanctions for violating provisions of the Code.
In a separate meeting, meanwhile, the PPP Center had consultation sessions with private sector stakeholders to ensure that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Code is aligned with the country's social realities and challenges.
“We have always recognized the private sector’s indispensable role in nation-building and sustainable development,” PPP Center Executive Director Ma. Cynthia C. Hernandez said.
“Pursuing PPPs allows us to tap the private sector’s valuable experience, expertise, and financial resources to advance our country’s development initiatives,” she added.
For his part, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and PPP Governing Board chairperson, said that valuable inputs from the private sector help establish rules that will enable process innovation, resource mobilization, and high-quality service delivery in PPP projects.
“The PPP Program is a major initiative of the government – a cross-cutting strategy identified in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028,” Balisacan said.
“The recently enacted PPP Code will further enable much-needed development across various sectors of the economy – particularly in physical and social infrastructure – and accelerate the delivery of public services necessary for economic growth and socioeconomic transformation,” he added.
The consultation was attended by representatives from the Management Association of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, Landbank of the Philippines, BDO Capital & Investment Corporation, EEI Corporation, Aboitiz InfraCapital, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, NLEX Corporation, Udenna Infra Corp, and First Metro Investment Corporation, among others.
The PPP Code, which aims to consolidate legal frameworks for PPP projects, took effect last year and shall be promulgated within 90 calendar days from its effectivity.