PAREX technically still on the table: toll regulator
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PAREX technically still on the table: toll regulator
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials led by Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, along with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, participate in the Pasig River Ferry tour from the Guadalupe Ferry Station in Makati going to Escolta Ferry Station in Manila on January 12, 2024. The tour highlighted the pilot area for the Pasig River Urban Development Project. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials led by Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, along with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos, participate in the Pasig River Ferry tour from the Guadalupe Ferry Station in Makati going to Escolta Ferry Station in Manila on January 12, 2024. The tour highlighted the pilot area for the Pasig River Urban Development Project. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA -- The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has yet to formally cancel the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project, over two months since President Ramon Ang said the company was no longer pursuing it due to public opposition, according to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
MANILA -- The San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has yet to formally cancel the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project, over two months since President Ramon Ang said the company was no longer pursuing it due to public opposition, according to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo told the media that the toll regulator has written to the conglomerate to confirm its withdrawal but it has not yet received an official response.
“Technically, it’s still on the table because we have not yet officially (been) given confirmation that they are already terminating the contract or terminating the project,” said Carullo.
Carullo added that the project’s status has been stalled at the final engineering design (FED) stage.
“Because of the recent development, the board resolved to defer the deadline for submission of the FED for six months. Iniintay lang namin kung may official communication sila (We are just waiting for their official communication),” he said.
Carullo noted that under the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) signed by the Department of Transportation and SMC in 2021, there would be legal consequences if the government were the one to withdraw.
“If they will be the one to unilaterally withdraw, there are no financial obligations (on the part of) government... Pero kung tayo ang magsasabi, ayaw na namin yang project mo, despite na inaprubahan mo dati, that’s what we call MAGA (Material Adverse Government Action),” he explained.
The planned PAREX is a 19-kilometer 6-lane elevated tollway running the length of the Pasig River.
It was expected to reduce travel time between the Eastern and Western sections of Metro Manila and connect Rizal province to Manila.
TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo told the media that the toll regulator has written to the conglomerate to confirm its withdrawal but it has not yet received an official response.
“Technically, it’s still on the table because we have not yet officially (been) given confirmation that they are already terminating the contract or terminating the project,” said Carullo.
Carullo added that the project’s status has been stalled at the final engineering design (FED) stage.
“Because of the recent development, the board resolved to defer the deadline for submission of the FED for six months. Iniintay lang namin kung may official communication sila (We are just waiting for their official communication),” he said.
Carullo noted that under the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) signed by the Department of Transportation and SMC in 2021, there would be legal consequences if the government were the one to withdraw.
“If they will be the one to unilaterally withdraw, there are no financial obligations (on the part of) government... Pero kung tayo ang magsasabi, ayaw na namin yang project mo, despite na inaprubahan mo dati, that’s what we call MAGA (Material Adverse Government Action),” he explained.
The planned PAREX is a 19-kilometer 6-lane elevated tollway running the length of the Pasig River.
It was expected to reduce travel time between the Eastern and Western sections of Metro Manila and connect Rizal province to Manila.
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