Manila Bulletin: Hopes up for MRT-3 with Sumitomo deal

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senator Grace Poe described as “encouraging” the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) move to consider hiring Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation anew to handle the maintenance requirements of the troubled Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3).

“Given the good track record of Sumitomo when it maintained the MRT for the first 12 years before the system went through a teleserye of unfortunate events, the prospect of having a reputable maintenance provider back is encouraging and a step in the right direction,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said in a statement Thursday.

On Wednesday, the DOTr announced conducting high-level discussions with the Japanese government to pave way for a three-year contract with Sumitomo and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which both designed,  built and maintained the MRT-3 in its first 12 years of operations.

The agency said the deal it eyes with Sumitomo and Mitsubishi would include the rehabilitation and restoration of the MRT-3 system’s original performance.

Poe, however, prodded the DOTr to be transparent in sealing its deal with the Japanese companies.

She likewise reminded the agency to consider expanding its options in choosing the next MRT maintainance providers.

“Sumitomo may not be the only maintenance provider or even the best one. Thus, the government must ensure that the terms of the contract for whichever provider is hired, are not disadvantageous to the people and should be FOI (freedom of information)-compliant,” she said.

Early November, the DOTr terminated its contract with Busan Universal Rails, Inc., blaming its “poor performance” for the frequent train breakdowns when it handled the MRT-3’s maintenance in the last two years.

While awaiting a new maintenance provider, the DOTr created a Maintenance Transition Team (MTT).

An official of the DOTr reportedly said Sumitomo could take over anew over the maintenance of beleaguered railway by the second quarter of 2018.

Erap, DILG stage brgy anti-drug symposiums

Persistent in his vision of a “drug-free” Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada has initiated symposiums in the city’s barangays to educate residents about the adverse effects of illegal drug use.

Estrada has collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Manila in this program, targeting to cover at least 90 of the city’s 896 barangays by Dec. 16.

“Drug addiction has serious health and psychological effects and often leads to crimes. It is important that as many people as possible are aware of this,” the mayor pointed out.

Meant as a drug use prevention strategy, Estrada said the seminars focus on the harmful effects of drug dependence not only to physical and mental health but also to the users’ families and to society and government in general.

“Here, we will project drug users as victims that need professional help and community and family support. We want them to realize that continued drug use won’t do good to them, and that it’s never too late to quit,” Estrada stressed.

The anti-drug symposium started last Monday, Nov. 27, in Barangays 833 and 834 in District 5, followed by Barangays 66, 67, 69, 72, and 73 in District 1 and Barangays 393, 394, and 387 in District 3 yesterday, November 28, according to DILG-Manila Field Office Director Rolynne Javier.

On Wednesday, the activity will move to Barangays 107, 112, 118, and 123 in District 1; Barangays 866, 867, 858, 889, and 879 (District 6); Barangays 423, 424, and 425 (District 4); and Barangays 716 to 721 in District 5.

As the head of the Advocacy Cluster of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, DILG is tasked to lead the anti-drug symposium in priority barangays in the National Capital Region in coordination with the local government units.

“We intend to do this every day to achieve our initial target of 90 barangays before the end of December, with the rest of the 800 plus barangays by next year,” Javier said.

At least 50 residents from each barangay will be selected to join the program along with their respective barangay officials and other volunteers.

“Our priority will be the families or relatives of the drug dependents and, of course, the drug dependents themselves,” Javier said.

Resource persons from the DILG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Manila Health Department, Manila Social Welfare Department, and Manila Police District, will be invited to discuss various topics about drug and substance abuse, its severe effects, how could it be prevented or stopped, and how to avail of government help and services, the DILG official added.

Aside from increasing public awareness about the bad effects of drug use, Javier said the symposium also aims to educate the residents on their role to “proactively address” the problem on illegal drugs.

“We want to elicit community-based initiatives through exchange of ideas and heighten collaborative efforts of barangay officials, local functionaries and national agencies,” the DILG-Manila official explained.

“Our main objective,” Javier further pointed out, “is to minimize drug dependence in the barangays by letting the people know that it will not in any way beneficial to them, and it will only destroy them and their family.”

The anti-drug use symposium is the Estrada administration’s latest effort to realize its vision of a “100 percent drug-free” City of Manila.

Estrada has recently allied with PDEA in the continuing barangay drug-clearing operations; the agency has just officially certified Barangay 663-A in District 5 as the city’s first-ever drug-free community.

Estrada has also ordered the revitalization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils that are supposed to be the frontline units of the city government’s anti-drug war.

The city government is also implementing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education in local elementary and secondary schools to keep away the youth from the influence of drugs.

SM Tuguegarao to launch own solar energy facility

ROOFTOP POWER ENERGY – The 564.48 kW-solar energy facility at the rooftop of SM Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, will be launched on December 7, as part of the SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) commitment to make its operations sustainable and environment friendly as the world prepares for the effects of climate change.

Tuguegarao City – The rooftop of the newly opened SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan has been fitted with 1,764 solar panels and the 364.48 kW solar energy facility is set to be launched on December 7.

According to SM Public Relation Officer Prince Lou Lauiagan, the latest solar energy facility at SM Supermalls was part of SM Prime Holdings’ “commitment towards making its operations sustainable and environment-friendly as the world prepares for the effects of climate change.

The panels can produce approximately 1,524 MWH annually, enough to energive up to 56 escalators at the same time.

The project capacity has an avoidance of 1,143.072 tons of CO2 emission per year which is equivalent to the planting of 5,715.36 trees per year.

These panels are also expected to save the mall more than P5 million in electricity costs per month.

She said, the solar rooftop will be the second industrial solar project in Cagayan, aside from St. Paul University Philippines.

Other environmental efforts is the mall’s use of a water recycling facility that uses sewage treatment as part of water conservation effort, and recycles non-potable water for malls’ lavatories.

Solid waste management will also be highlighted in mall operations with the “Trash to Cash” program allowing the community and mall tenants to convert their scraps into cash.

SM Supermalls aspires to be exemplary for commercial and industrial establishments, this latest milestone on green energy projects reaffirms SM Prime’s commitment to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that enrich the quality of life of millions.

‘Tatak Rico J,’ a tribute to the Total Entertainer

Rico J. Puno, known as Total Entertainer for four decades now, headlines a concert on Dec. 2 at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino. Dubbed “Tatak Rico J,” it is expected to be fun-filled, what with his inimitable singing style and irreverent adult humor.

 Presented by Starmedia Entertainment, the concert also features his friends in the entertainment industry including Willie Revillame, Ogie Alcasid, Randy Santiago, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and Ai Ai delas Alas.

Rico J. popularized many songs including “The Way We Were,” “Kapalaran,” “Macho Guwapito,” Buhat,” and “Lupa.” He recorded best-selling albums beginning with “The Way We Were” in 1973, “Kapalaran” in 1976 and “Rico Baby” in 1977.

 A multi-awarded live performer, Rico J. also appeared in movies, and in 1998, he entered politics and was elected councilor of Makati’s 1st District.

• • •

Four Pinay beauties compete in China

Four Filipina beauties – Melissa Esguerra, Velinnette Quiat, Timikko Santos and Norge Reichenbach – are in Shanghai, China to compete in the Mrs. Asia International on Dec. 2.

The four “senior” beauties were chosen by Mrs. Philippines Asia International, the biggest pageant in the country for married women. Franchisee is Alex Liu.

Melissa, 37, is Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l Globe 2017. A former marketing executive in Dubai, she is a free-lance make-up artist and photography enthusiast and a mother of two boys. Velinnette, 36, is Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l Tourism, a former educator and chemist, and a certified health and fitness buff. A mother of two sons, she believes that empowered women make strong families.

 Timikko, half-Filipino and half-Japanese, 27, is the first millennial winner of the title “Woman of Substance” from Mrs. Philippines Globe. She is a certified Six Sigma Yellow Belter and is taking up Masters in Information at UP. She is a single mom to a don. Norge, Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l is 57, and is a painter, culprit, golfer and scuba diver. She is president of Rotary Club of Makati Bel-Air.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 30, go to Justice Andres Narvasa, Rosalinda Orosa, Kristine Yang, Justa Tantoco, Ladine Roxas, Norma Funtanilla, Ma. Martha Sibal-Bonoan, Bon Lasaga, Dr. Alex Tensuan, Atty. Rudegelio & Ronald Tacorda, Ellen Sevilla, Lutgarda Landingin, Vincent Tuazon and Cristina Decena… Dec. 1: Pauleen Barreiro, Candy Cuazon, Ruby Salcedo, Junjun Sarino, Romeo Mananquil, Pilar Hilario, Lilia Derige, Jovan Doria, Michelle Limboy, Tina di Ciccio and Peachy Guioguio…

Puregold gets SEC approval to merge with 3 grocery chains

Puregold said Monday it received regulatory approval to merge with the 3 grocery chains it recently acquired.

The Securities and Exchange Commission allowed Puregold to to merge with Daily Commodities, First Lane Super Traders and Goldtempo Company, which together own 17 stores in the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Aurora and Cabanatuan City, the company told the stock exchange.

"The company intends to consolidate all stores catering to the same market group into one company," Puregold said.

Puregold has 352 stores nationwide as of end September.

Shares of the company rose 2.39 percent to P49.20 on Monday.

Mitsubishi Corporation Awarded Contract to Supply Rolling Stock for Manila LRT Line-1 in the Philippines

Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is being awarded the contract to supply new rolling stock for Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line-1 by the Department of Transportation of the Republic of the Philippines. The contract amount of approximately 30 billion yen is being funded under a Japanese ODA Loan Agreement signed between the governments of Japan and the Philippines. MC will supply rolling stock manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF), Spain's largest rolling stock manufacturer, while equipment installed on the rolling stock will adopt Japanese technology and products. A total of 120 cars (or 30 train sets) will be supplied over a period from the end of 2020 to the beginning of 2022.

LRT Line-1 is a 20-kilometer elevated metro line connecting north and south Metro Manila, with a 12-kilometer extension further South to Cavite Province now under construction. Around these areas, there has been increasing passenger traffic due to the development of the city. The rolling stock to be supplied by MC will enhance the capacity of the LRT to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, and will contribute to reducing both traffic congestion and air pollution, which are particularly severe in Metro Manila.

No electrical or mechanical defects found in MRT-3 ‘decoupling’–NBI

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said on Wednesday that there were no mechanical or electrical defects that may have led to the decoupling incident at the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3) in November, an official said.

“Initially, ang findings namin ay walang defect as far as the mechanical aspects are concerned,” said lawyer Joel Tovera, NBI chief of the Special Action Unit.

The decoupling incident happened on November 16 when the third car of a train headed northbound got detached from the two front cars between the Ayala and Buendia stations, leaving behind 140 passengers.

Although no one was reportedly injured, the passengers were forced to walk on the railway toward the Buendia Station.

Tavera added that they would look deeper into the possibility of human intervention.

The five mechanical and electrical defects that could cause a decoupling were:

1. Lack of current transmission
2. Short circuits
3. Scorched cables
4. Chafed cables
5. Faulty alignment

“We are not discounting the possibility na may sabotahe nga. But we cannot divulge the names of the persons of interest,” Tavera said.

Resigned Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez said that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the MRT would not intervene with the results of the investigation.

“We thank the NBI for immediately forming a team of investigators (for the operation). DOTr and MRT will no longer make any statement regarding the investigation,” Chavez said.

He raised the possibility of sabotage after initial investigation on November 22 revealed that the Messma Card or the black box of the decoupled coach was missing.

The black box is responsible for “recording all applied interventions” such as the speed and performance of the train.

MRT-3 Director for Operations Mike Capati added that there would be more investigations before the year ends.

“The result of the reported readings of the Messma card will also be evaluated by the forensic experts para makumpleto ang investigation [so that the investigation would be completed],” he said.

Ownership structure keeps MRT 3 derailed

Part One

Politicians have a way of muddling problems confronting the nation such that they themselves often end up unable to provide doable and lasting solutions.

The most glaring of these pressing problems is that of the country’s light rail line system that traverses the stretch of Edsa. The grandstanding, bickering and publicity stunts of this administration’s officials will not result in saving the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 from sinking deeper into a political quicksand.

It’s a total mess out there. Just recently and for the second time, commuters found themselves traveling with one of the coaches’ doors wide open. This was just days after a coach got detached, which forced passengers to walk under the scorching heat to the train’s nearest station. The worst MRT accident was in August 2014, when the train overshot the tracks at the Taft Avenue Station. Several commuters and pedestrians were injured, and at least nine people were brought to the nearest hospitals.

Every day, riders have to endure long lines, excruciatingly hot travel, dilapidated elevators and escalators, overpowering stench wafting from unkept toilets. Obviously, the situation is unacceptable. The country’s light rail system was meant to ease traffic and bring travelers another choice of commuting convenience, not take them on a hellish ride.

So why is it that MRT 3 is in such a disarray, while LRT Lines 1 and 2 are just doing just fine?

I’ll go straight to the point: The government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr) runs the system that it doesn’t own, while paying MRT Corp. (MRTC) fail-safe, prearranged monthly fees.

MRTC, not the government, is supposed to be accountable for the maintenance and procurement of new trains. Let me make it clearer. Aside from ensuring regular and efficient upkeep of the system, MRTC as the owner is obliged to forecast growth in passenger volume and do proactive measures to meet passenger demand.

MRT 3 has already been operating beyond capacity since 2004. Why has the problem not been addressed yet? Chalk it up to politicking, the blame game and handwashing.

The MRT 3 was designed as a build-lease-transfer project (BLT). The private-sector exponent was a complex and perplexing mist of corporate entities. Let me just zero in on the MRTC (the signatory to the MRT agreement), which, in turn, is owned by Robert Sobrepeña and his MRT Holdings of the Fil-Estate Group of Cos. and Manuel Agustines of the Ramcar Group of Cos. In the BLT covenant, the private component is tasked to design, build and hand back the system to the government. The government runs the system and pays MRTC monthly rentals.

Unfortunately, the Agustineses and Sobrepeñas were hit by financial troubles. To get themselves out of their respective financial ruts, they brought in the Ayala Group to put up another company, MRT 3 Funding Corp. (MRTFC). The new entity issued asset-backed bonds (guaranteed rental payments), which were then sold to private corporations.

By 2007, during former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration, the government encountered difficulties meeting its monthly rentals. It then bought the bonds issued by the MRTFC, through the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines,  in order to dodge default. But merely possessing these bonds does not give the government ownership of MRT 3. These bonds only signify the revenue from rental payments, but not the ownership of MRT 3 itself.

The spirit of the private-public partnership scheme is for the government to avoid giving sovereign financial pledge to private companies if and when the project fails financially. Why the Arroyo administration fell for this arrangement boggles the mind. Not only did it agree for such a guarantee, but also gave the private component “an after-tax, after-debt-service, after-expense return on their investments of 15 percent per year!” Add that to the passenger fare subsidy that cost the government P5.7 billion back in 2009 alone, and you have a financial crisis that has been derailing the country’s MRT 3 operations for years now.

To be continued

SM to open Pulilan mall, 4th in Bulacan

SM Prime Holdings, the country's largest mall operator, said it would open its fourth branch in Bulacan province north of the capital on Friday.

The three-level SM Center Pulilan will be the sixth new SM mall to open this year, the company owned by the country's richest man, Henry Sy, said on Wednesday.

The company's other malls in Bulacan are located in Marilao, Baliwag and San Jose del Monte.

Shares of SM Prime were up 0.55 percent to P36.50 in late trading on Wednesday.

MRT-3 binulok ni Gloria – PNoy

Napabayaan sa administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) kung kaya’t marami ang nagdurusa ngayon dahil sa malimit na aberya ng tren.

Ito ang tahasang sinabi ni dating Pangulong Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III nang maurirat kahapon sa estado ng MRT-3.

Ayon sa dating pangulo, noong 2008 ay nakaiskedyul sa overhaul ang MRT subalit hindi ito ginawa kaya’t lumala ang problema ng mga tren.

“Natandaan ko mayroon dapat nangyaring overhaul diyan sa MRT. Alam mo ‘pag overhaul hindi tune up-tune up lang, major ‘yung pag-aayos. Ang tanda ko 2008 hindi ginawa ‘yun, parang malaki nang sabihin na minor overhaul pero masasabing halos walang ginawa. So ‘yung lifespan na dapat inabot ng MRT, na curtail nabawasan dahil hindi ginawa ‘yung overhaul at that time,” paliwanag ni Aquino sa isang ambush interview nang dumalaw sa puntod ng amang si dating Senador Ninoy Aquino dahil sa kaarawan nito.

Binanggit pa ng dating pangulo na hindi kakasya sa isang ‘sentence’ lang ang problemang dinatnan niya sa MRT nang maupo ito sa puwesto noong Hunyo 2010 dahil ginawang kumplikado ng dating administrasyon ang pamamahala sa tren.

Nang makipagnegosasyon umano ang Sumitomo para sa maintenance ng MRT, humirit sila ng malaking presyo at wala pang warranty dahil sa bugbog na ang tren.

“…Dumating ‘yung punto na sinabi ng Sumitomo na ‘alam n’yo sobra ang pagamit dito sa MRT, luma na ‘yung signaling system etc., so kung itutuloy namin ‘yung maintenance nito kailangan naming taasan ang presyo at pagkatapos namin tinaasan ang presyo dahil sobra-sobra ang paggamit n’yo ‘di na rin namin kayo bibigyan ng warranty’,” kuwento ng dating pa­ngulo hinggil sa dinatnan niyang problema sa MRT.

Isinisisi ng mga kapanalig ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa mga dating kalihim ng Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) ang problema ngayon ng MRT.

Naghain pa ng plunder case sa Ombudsman ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) laban sa siyam na miyembro ng gabinete ni Aquino dahil sa umano’y maanomalyang kontrata sa Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI), ang sinipang maintenance contractor ng MRT-3. 

PH set to sign deal with Japan on MRT-3 maintenance

METRO MANILA, Nov. 29 -- THE Department of Transportation said on Wednesday that a government-to-government (G2G) agreement is scheduled to be signed with Japan before year-end, to engage Sumitomo Corporation in the maintenance of Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT-3).

“High-level discussions with the government of Japan are ongoing to pave the way for DOTr’s direct engagement of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, under a G2G Official Development Assistance platform,” the DOTr said in a statement.

“The maintenance and rehabilitation contract is intended to have a term of three years, and will include the rehabilitation and restoration of the system to its original performance standards,” the DOTr added.

Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy designed, built, and maintained the MRT-3 in its first 12 years of operation before Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) took over.

The DOTr ended its maintenance contract with BURI, blaming it for the technical glitches experienced by the MRT-3.

The DOTr said it was also pursuing an unsolicited proposal for the 30-year operation and maintenance of the MRT-3.

An original proponent status has been awarded to the Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), whose proposal will soon be endorsed to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for further evaluation. REICELENE JOY N. IGNACIO

DOTr: Sumitomo, Mitsubishi back as MRT3 maintenance providers starting 2018

Japan and the Philippines are signing a government-to-government agreement that will pave the way for Sumitomo Corp. and technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to take over the maintenance works for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3).

The signing will take place before the end of the year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

"High-level discussions with the Government of Japan are ongoing to pave the way for DOTr’s direct engagement of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, under a government-to-government (G2G) Official Development Assistance (ODA) platform," the department said.

The three-year contract will include the rehabilitation and restoration of the mass rail transit system to its original performance standards.

"Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy, as the original MRT3 maintenance contractor, has 'designed, built, and maintained' the train line its first 12 years," the DOTr said.

"DOTr is pushing to have the maintenance and rehabilitation service provider in place by early Q2 2018," Transportation Assistant Secretary for Rails Timothy John Batan told GMA News Online.

"The main reason for this is the time needed to do a technical review of the system to find out the works that need to be done to restore the system after years of under-investment in preventive maintenance and renewal works," he said.

Batan noted rehabilitation priorities have yet to be determined during the technical review, which would commence right after the G2G agreement is signed.

The DOTr terminated the contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) last November 6 for its supposed "failures" in the last 22 months as the MRT3 maintenance contractor.

"BURI failed to perform its maintenance obligations, both due to its inability to meet the performance indicators in the contract (e.g. number of trains running) and its failure to procure spare parts," the department said.

The company supposedly did overhaul the train cars in line with a schedule BURI itself proposed, the DOTr noted, saying only two out of the 43 train coaches were actually overhauled.

"These failures led to the many passenger unloading and train removal incidents during the 22 months that BURI was maintaining MRT-3," it claimed. — VDS, GMA News

DOTr: Sumitomo, Mitsubishi back as MRT3 maintenance providers starting 2018

Published November 29, 2017 2:50pm
Updated November 29, 2017 4:57pm

By MARGARET CLAIRE LAYUG, GMA News

Japan and the Philippines are signing a government-to-government agreement that will pave the way for Sumitomo Corp. and technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to take over the maintenance works for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3).

The signing will take place before the end of the year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

"High-level discussions with the Government of Japan are ongoing to pave the way for DOTr’s direct engagement of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, under a government-to-government (G2G) Official Development Assistance (ODA) platform," the department said.

The three-year contract will include the rehabilitation and restoration of the mass rail transit system to its original performance standards.

"Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy, as the original MRT3 maintenance contractor, has 'designed, built, and maintained' the train line its first 12 years," the DOTr said.

"DOTr is pushing to have the maintenance and rehabilitation service provider in place by early Q2 2018," Transportation Assistant Secretary for Rails Timothy John Batan told GMA News Online.

"The main reason for this is the time needed to do a technical review of the system to find out the works that need to be done to restore the system after years of under-investment in preventive maintenance and renewal works," he said.

Batan noted rehabilitation priorities have yet to be determined during the technical review, which would commence right after the G2G agreement is signed.

The DOTr terminated the contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) last November 6 for its supposed "failures" in the last 22 months as the MRT3 maintenance contractor.

"BURI failed to perform its maintenance obligations, both due to its inability to meet the performance indicators in the contract (e.g. number of trains running) and its failure to procure spare parts," the department said.

The company supposedly did not overhaul the train cars in line with a schedule BURI itself proposed, the DOTr noted, saying only two out of the 43 train coaches were actually overhauled.

"These failures led to the many passenger unloading and train removal incidents during the 22 months that BURI was maintaining MRT-3," it claimed. — VDS, GMA News

Sumitomo 'closely considered' to handle MRT3 maintenance once again

(UPDATED) The Philippine and Japanese governments are discussing an agreement for Official Development Assistance, which will be the basis of the selection of the MRT3 maintenance provider

(UPDATED) – Sumitomo Corporation, the original maintenance provider of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT3), is being "closely considered" to handle maintenance of the beleaguered train system, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday, November 29.

The DOTr, in a statement, said that the service provider they will select will also "rehabilitate and restore the system to its original performance condition."

The DOTr said that the Philippine and Japanese governments are discussing a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement for an Official Development Assistance (ODA), which will be the basis of the selection of the maintenance and service contractor of the MRT3.

An agreement between the two governments is already scheduled to be signed before year-end, the DOTr said.

The agency said the Sumitomo Corporation-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries joint venture is "being closely considered," due to its background in constructing and maintaining the system until 2012.

DOTr said the initial contract would be for 3 years.

At present, the government is handling the maintenance of the aging railway system, after it terminated its contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc (BURI), for allegedly failing to address the maintenance issues raised by the government.

The contract with BURI started in early 2016, and was supposed to last until 2019.

Sumitomo and Mitsubishi, meanwhile, were the original maintenance providers for the MRT3. The Japanese companies were involved in the design and construction of the system. Their contract expired in 2012.

Beyond the 3-year contract with the next maintenance and rehabilitation service provider, the government will also look for a long-term, "single-point-of-responsibility" operations and maintenance provider for the rail system.

DOTr said that they already have an unsolicited proposal for this, which they will soon seek approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Once the pride of Metro Manila's transport infrastructure, the MRT3, which started operations in 1999, has been plagued by poor maintenance amid steadily increasing ridership.

In the last 12 months alone, the system has been suffering from near-daily operational issues, ranging from signaling problems to train cars getting detached from one another.

MUST-READ: Bagong reality searches, mapapanood sa Kapuso network sa 2018

Dalawang original singing competition at bagong season ng artista search ang mapapanood sa Kapuso network sa taong 2018.

Isa na diyan ang Center Stage, isang singing contest kung saan dapat ma-impress ng contestants ang judges na magdadala sa kanila all the way to the center stage.

Dapat ring abangan ang The Clash to be hosted by Ms. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid. Ito naman ay isang cutthroat search kung saan ang undiscovered vocal talents ng bansa ay maglalaban para maging last man standing.

Muli na namang mag-dream, believe, survive ang artista hopefuls dahil sa 2018 na mangyayari ang seventh season ng first reality-based artista search, ang StarStruck. Abangan kung saan at kailan ang nationwide auditions para dito.

Tutok lang sa GMA Network, the home of original talent search shows, para mapanood ang mga programang ito.

Moving Forward: Bold and strategic steps being taken to improve the MRT-3

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is taking bold and strategic steps to solve the problems that have been plaguing the MRT-3 for years.



A Four-Point Strategy is already being implemented, which involves:

- promoting accountability (termination of BURI);

- ensuring continued service delivery (establishment of the Maintenance Transition Team);

- contracting a qualified maintenance and rehabilitation service provider (Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy);

- putting in place a long-term, single-point-of-responsibility, operator and maintenance provider for MRT-3 (O&M Unsolicited Proposal).



Point 1: Promoting Accountability



Last Nov. 6, DOTr terminated BURI’s maintenance service contract due to, among others, BURI’s non-performance of its obligations under the contract.

BURI failed to perform its maintenance obligations, both due to its inability to meet the performance indicators in the contract (e.g. number of trains running) and its failure to procure spare parts.

BURI also failed to perform its obligation to overhaul MRT-3’s train cars, pursuant to a schedule that was proposed by BURI itself. As of 21 November 2017, only 2 out of 43 train cars have been overhauled by BURI.

These failures led to the many passenger unloading and train removal incidents during the 22 months that BURI was maintaining MRT-3.

 BURI’s termination is intended to promote accountability, and to ensure that taxpayers’ money (P54 million a month for maintenance and P907 million for the overhaul) is not spent on a non-performing service provider.





Point 2: Continued Service Delivery



The DOTr prepared for the take over of the maintenance of MRT-3 by creating a Maintenance Transition Team (MTT), which will maintain the system for 3-6 months while procuring a new and qualified maintenance service provider.

The MTT ensured that it has the necessary human resources, by directly hiring more than 450 former BURI employees. After months of delayed and partial salaries, the MTT has paid the direct hires their salaries in full and on time, which has boosted their morale.

The LRTA and PNR have also thrown in their support to the MTT, by sharing highly qualified and experienced railway engineers to the MTT.

The condition of MRT-3’s spare parts inventory at take over further demonstrated BURI’s failure to purchase and maintain a sufficient level of spare parts. To address this, the DOTr created a special Bids and Award Committee (BAC), which, together with the MTT, is regularly convening to expeditiously procure the spare parts that BURI failed to purchase.

Point 3: Maintenance and Rehabilitation Service Provider

High-level discussions with the Government of Japan are ongoing to pave the way for DOTr’s direct engagement of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, under a Government to Government (G2G) Official Development Assistance (ODA) platform. A G2G agreement is scheduled to be signed before year-end.

Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy designed, built, and maintained the MRT-3 in its first 12 years of operations.

The maintenance and rehabilitation contract is intended to have a term of 3 years, and will include the rehabilitation and restoration of the system to its original performance standards.

Point 4: Long-Term, Single-Point-of-Responsibility, O&M Provider

Many of MRT-3’s problems in recent years resulted from successive short-term and fragmented maintenance contracts, and from finger-pointing due to having different entities maintaining and operating MRT-3.

DOTr is addressing this by pursuing an Unsolicited Proposal for the 30-year operation and maintenance (O&M) of MRT-3. Original proponent status has been given to the proponent, Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), and the proposal will soon be endorsed to NEDA for further evaluation.

Other Efforts

The DOTr is already coordinating with the LTFRB and MMDA in expanding the P2P bus fleet that will complement the MRT-3.

Also, an independent safety audit by an ISO-certified and IFIA member certifier (International Federation of Inspection Agencies) will commence soon for the entire MRT-3 system, which is intended to give DOTr additional inputs on the interventions needed to rehabilitate and restore the system’s reliability.

With the bump in ridership expected as we approach the holidays, the public can be assured that the DOTr is pursuing all avenues to restore the MRT-3’s reliability and to continue ensuring the safety of its 500,000 daily riders. (DOTr)

MOVING FORWARD: BOLD AND STRATEGIC STEPS BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE MRT-3

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is taking bold and strategic steps to solve the problems that have been plaguing the MRT-3 for years.

A Four-Point Strategy is already being implemented, which involves:

- promoting accountability (termination of BURI);
- ensuring continued service delivery (establishment of the Maintenance Transition Team);
- contracting a qualified maintenance and rehabilitation service provider (Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy); 
- putting in place a long-term, single-point-of-responsibility, operator and maintenance provider for MRT-3 (O&M Unsolicited Proposal).

Point 1: Promoting Accountability

Last Nov. 6, DOTr terminated BURI’s maintenance service contract due to, among others, BURI’s non-performance of its obligations under the contract.

BURI failed to perform its maintenance obligations, both due to its inability to meet the performance indicators in the contract (e.g. number of trains running) and its failure to procure spare parts.

BURI also failed to perform its obligation to overhaul MRT-3’s train cars, pursuant to a schedule that was proposed by BURI itself. As of 21 November 2017, only 2 out of 43 train cars have been overhauled by BURI.

These failures led to the many passenger unloading and train removal incidents during the 22 months that BURI was maintaining MRT-3.

BURI’s termination is intended to promote accountability, and to ensure that taxpayers’ money (PhP54 million a month for maintenance and PhP907 million for the overhaul) is not spent on a non-performing service provider.

Point 2: Continued Service Delivery

The DOTr prepared for the take over of the maintenance of MRT-3 by creating a Maintenance Transition Team (MTT), which will maintain the system for 3-6 months while procuring a new and qualified maintenance service provider.

The MTT ensured that it has the necessary human resources, by directly hiring more than 450 former BURI employees. After months of delayed and partial salaries, the MTT has paid the direct hires their salaries in full and on time, which has boosted their morale.

The LRTA and PNR have also thrown in their support to the MTT, by sharing highly qualified and experienced railway engineers to the MTT.

The condition of MRT-3’s spare parts inventory at take over further demonstrated BURI’s failure to purchase and maintain a sufficient level of spare parts. To address this, the DOTr created a special Bids and Award Committee (BAC), which, together with the MTT, is regularly convening to expeditiously procure the spare parts that BURI failed to purchase.

Point 3: Maintenance and Rehabilitation Service Provider

High-level discussions with the Government of Japan are ongoing to pave the way for DOTr’s direct engagement of Sumitomo Corporation and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, under a Government to Government (G2G) Official Development Assistance (ODA) platform. A G2G agreement is scheduled to be signed before year-end.

Sumitomo and Mitsubishi Heavy designed, built, and maintained the MRT-3 in its first 12 years of operations.

The maintenance and rehabilitation contract is intended to have a term of 3 years, and will include the rehabilitation and restoration of the system to its original performance standards.

Point 4: Long-Term, Single-Point-of-Responsibility, O&M Provider

Many of MRT-3’s problems in recent years resulted from successive short-term and fragmented maintenance contracts, and from finger-pointing due to having different entities maintaining and operating MRT-3.

DOTr is addressing this by pursuing an Unsolicited Proposal for the 30-year operation and maintenance (O&M) of MRT-3. Original proponent status has been given to the proponent, Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), and the proposal will soon be endorsed to NEDA for further evaluation.

Other Efforts

The DOTr is already coordinating with the LTFRB and MMDA in expanding the P2P bus fleet that will complement the MRT-3.

Also, an independent safety audit by an ISO-certified and IFIA member certifier (International Federation of Inspection Agencies) will commence soon for the entire MRT-3 system, which is intended to give DOTr additional inputs on the interventions needed to rehabilitate and restore the system’s reliability.

With the bump in ridership expected as we approach the holidays, the public can be assured that the DOTr is pursuing all avenues to restore the MRT-3’s reliability and to continue ensuring the safety of its 500,000 daily riders.

Govt eyes 1,900 km of rail network in ‘18

The Department of Transportation asked the Philippine National Railways to award different rail projects early next year to meet its target to build more rail networks nationwide.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he wanted PNR to help realize the government’s target to expand the rail networks from the current 77 kilometers to 1,900 kilometers of rails.

“We have to start before the end of the year or by January,” Tugade said.

Among the rail projects in the pipeline are the PNR North (Manila – Clark), PNR South (Manila – Los Baños – Bicol), Mindanao Railway Project and Subic-Clark Cargo Railway.

The  DOTr expects to complete the PNR North or Manila-Clark Railway project which is funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency by 2020.

The PNR South Commuter Project is a 72-kilometer mass transportation railway from Manila to Los Banos, Laguna. The National Economic Development Authority board earlier  approved phase 1 of Mindanao Railway Project, a 102-kilometer alignment in Mindanao.

Engelbert serenades Pinoy fans tonight

Engelbert Humperdinck will celebrate with Pinoy fans his 50th anniversary in the music industry via concert tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Ovation Productions presentation highlights a three-date, three-city concert series that kicked off on Nov. 23 at the LausGroup Event Centre in San Fernando City, followed by his major concert at the Big Dome, before winding up on Nov. 30 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan City.

This is part of the Asian leg of “Engelbert Humperdinck 50th Anniversary Tour,” a global touring celebration of the musical career of the singing legend. Among Engelbert’s hit songs are “Release Me,” “Quando, Quando, Quando,” “The Way It Used To Be,” “The Last Waltz,” “After The Loving,” “Man Without Love,” “Spanish Eyes,” “Love Me With All Your Heart,” “Am I That Easy To Forget,” and many more.

• • •

Paolo Ballesteros as Barbi,Wonder Beki

The role that used to be veteran comedian Joey de Leon’s, Barbi, has been handed down to Paolo Ballesteros, who humbly said “the character was not relinquished to me. Hindi pa binigay sa akin, I just borrowed it. Pinahiram lang ni Tito Joey.”

Paolo (who was acclaimed for his work in the MMFF 2016 entry “Die Beautiful”) added: “Ibang atake naman ako dito sa bagong Barbi, millennial siya…”

Joey is all-support to Paolo who plays the title role. He said Paolo is one of today’s most talented actors and he will certainly give justice to the role. Paolo expressed honor and gratitude for Joey’s participation in the movie directed by Tony Reyes and produced by Octo-Arts Films, M-Zet Films and T-Rex Entertainment.

Also in the cast are Joey Marquez, Benjie Paras, Smokey Manaloto, Epy Quizon, Ruby Rodriguez, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Ejay Falcon and Kim Domingo.

“Barbi: D’Wonder Beki” opens tomorrow, Nov, 29, in theaters nationwide.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 28, go to Alfonso Singson, Tessie Macasaet, Teresa Tunay, Bea Bermundo, Jaycee Dacuycuy, Elizabeth Sanvictores, Vina Trinidad, Mila Lim, Joross Gamboa, Bryan Homecillo, and Rich Azul… Nov. 29: Raymond Lauchengco, Gilberto Duavit, Ricardo Silverio, Charminia Banal, Atty. Ester Cruz, Bishop Filomeno Bactol, Gen. Jose Calimlin, Ditas Posadas, Marissa Sanchez, and Evangeline Pascual…

MRTC, Sumitomo eye MRT-3 rehab

The MRT Corp. (MRTC), owner of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), is willing to infuse $150 million to rehabilitate the glitch-prone rail system, officials said.

MRTC president Frederick Parayno said Sumitomo and the MRTC discussed an action plan to rehabilitate the MRT-3 that has been formally and separately proposed to President Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

Sumitomo is the Japanese maintenance contractor that designed, built and maintained the MRT-3 system for 12 years or until 2012 without major glitches.

Parayno said Sumitomo is willing to return as the maintenance provider of MRT-3 if hired by MRTC.

Under the build-lease-transfer agreement between the government and MRTC, it is the latter’s right to choose and hire the maintenance contractor for the MRT-3.

The responsibility of hiring the maintenance contractor was taken by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) during the term of former secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya when it refused to renew the contract of Sumitomo and instead hired PH Trams without bidding but through a negotiated contract.

After it was mired in controversies over its poor performance, including failure to purchase spare parts, PH Trams was replaced by two other firms, including Busan Universal Rail Inc.

Busan’s contract was also cancelled earlier this month following numerous train breakdowns.

Abaya and other former transportation officials were earlier charged with plunder before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Parayno said MRTC can rehire Sumitomo and fix the MRT-3 without stopping operations if the DOTr will allow it.

The MRTC’s rehabilitation plan will include a full inspection of the MRT-3 to be completed within 30 days by 100 engineers, the purchase of $50 million worth of spare parts, replacement of broken rails, and the complete overhaul of all 73 cars of MRT.

Parayno said the rehabilitation can be completed by Sumitomo, all while the trains continue to be operational, in as soon as 26 months from the beginning of the rehabilitation program.

He said the MRTC is willing to advance $150 million for the rehabilitation of the trains, to be recovered later only through fares, even without increasing fares beyond the rates of air-conditioned buses.

Parayno recalled how well the MRT-3 functioned while under the maintenance of Sumitomo.

He said Sumitomo was effective as a maintenance provider because it was religious in the purchase of spare parts for MRT-3. It also left $15 million worth of spare parts when its contract was terminated by former transportation officials.

“There is no other cause for the damage to the trains but the incompetence and failure of the succeeding maintenance providers to procure spare parts,” he added.

Senators Grace Poe and Joseph Victor Ejercito, chair and vice chair of the Senate committee on public services, also backed the return of Sumitomo.

“They (Sumitomo) have the track record and it’s a reputable Japanese company. Sumitomo will not allow its name to be tarnished,” Ejercito said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/11/27/1762923/mrtc-sumitomo-eye-mrt-3-rehab

Poe: Prioritize emergency powers for President to solve traffic woes

Senator Grace Poe called on Malacañang yesterday to certify the proposed emergency powers for the President as urgent for its immediate approval and enactment by Congress.

Poe, who filed Senate Bill No. 1284, an act compelling the government to address the transportation and congestion crisis through the grant of emergency powers to the President, said the fastest way the country’s traffic problem can be resolved is for the Palace to issue a certification declaring the measure a priority.

With only three weeks left before Congress adjourns for the holiday break starting December 16, the senator said the government should rush consideration and approval of the emergency powers bill to solve and fast track the implementation of projects aimed at overhauling key transport systems, particularly the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3), to ease the traffic.

“Siguradong gagalaw ang emergency powers kung gagawin ng Malacañang na prayoridad ito at sesertipikahan para rin makatulong sa mabilis na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong magpapaginhawa sa trapik, (I’m sure the emergency powers bill will move fast if Malacanang certifies it a priority so it can help enforce projects aimed at solving the traffic problem fast),” Poe said in a statement.

She said her committee recently met with officials of the Departments of Transportation (DOTr) and of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to request the submission of their respective concrete plans to the plenary after tax reform and budget deliberations conclude.

All three agencies, according to Poe, have vowed to submit a comprehensive report on priority projects that will be implemented during the duration of the emergency powers before the session break.

“A certification of urgency will allow Congress to pass the measure on second and third reading within the same day,” she said, adding that a Palace certification is one way of compelling lawmakers to proceed with the bill.

Poe pointed out that it was President Duterte who first floated the idea during his first state of the nation address (SONA). But the topic was no longer mentioned again during his second SONA.

Once the President declares it as urgent, Poe said she is confident it would be taken as an imprimatur to prompt, not only the Senate leadership, but also for the House of Representatives to include the emergency powers bill in its priority agenda.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/11/27/poe-prioritize-emergency-powers-for-president-to-solve-traffic-woes/

Manila’s fountains restored in time for Christmas

The City of Manila under Mayor Joseph Estrada has successfully restored and renovated several fountains, which the previous administration had left neglected, in time for the expected increase in the number of local and foreign tourists during the Christmas season.

Estrada said the fountains, equipped with colored lights, provide added attractions to Manila’s tourist spots, especially at nighttime.

“Christmas is the time of the year where people go out with their families and loved ones, and many tourists will come and have a vacation here, not to mention the Christmas shoppers,” the Manila mayor said, “so this is why we have renovated our fountains and public parks.”

The fountains have been beautifully restored that it attracted not only weary spectators and travelers, but also people who want to cool down by plunging into them which the city government does not tolerate, according to Arsenic Lacson, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Manila Parks Development Office.

“Ang problema natin ngayon, nililiguan. Mayroon pa ngang naglalaba (Our problem is that they take a bath here. The also do their laundry),” Lacson, however, lamented.

MPDO is tasked to maintain and spruce up fountain plazas and public spaces, side streets and center islands, and historic monuments.

Eight such fountains have been renovated and beautified by the city government. These are located at the Raja Sulayman Park, Remedios Circle, Sta. Cruz Plaza, Plaza Gomburza across National Museum, Plaza Balagtas, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, Plaza Hernandez, and at Mehan Garden, according to Lacson.

The MPDO is also pushing for the rehabilitation of two more fountains in Plaza Calderon near Sta. Ana Church.

“During the time of Mayor Lito Atienza, all the parks look beautiful. When Lim entered, that’s the time it was neglected. Fountains were not working),” Lacson pointed out.

“Fountains instantly beautify a place. And when the place is beautiful, clean and maintained properly, it attracts tourists, boosts businesses, and generates jobs. The development of our parks is an instant visual testament to the city’s development and prosperity,” Lacson said about the continued efforts of regaining the splendor of Manila’s public recreation spaces.

In line with his urban renewal agenda of restoring the lost glory and grandeur of Manila, Estrada has ordered the renovation of the capital city’s cultural and heritage parks, including the fountain plazas, and allocated P100 million for this purpose.

Once known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” Manila has 48 parks and monuments -  all that remained of the old Manila’s pre-war and colonial architecture. A number of these have been converted to children’s playgrounds.

Among the parks and plazas that underwent major facelift as per Estrada’s directive are Plaza Rueda and Bonifacio Shrine along Taft Avenue, Plaza Hernandez in Tondo, Plaza De Virge in Pandacan, Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, and Plaza Guerrero across the US Embassy, among others.

Recently, MPDO has inaugurated the newly renovated Plaza Oliva Salamanca at Taft Avenue in Ermita, which was named after Dr. Olivia Salamanca, one of the country’s first female doctors. She died in 1913 at the age of 24.

From pAbaya to TuGrabe

No, I didn’t think up that headline. I saw it as a hashtag on social media. Filipino humor can be devastating during difficult times. Unfortunately for whoever is the transport secretary, they are only as good as the performance of the MRT3.

MRT 3 had long been falling apart, but lately, it seems things are getting intolerably worse. The past and present transport secretaries have been nibbling at the periphery of the problem…as if rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.

Both of them, pAbaya and TuGrabe are lawyers so they should know it all starts with the Original Sin: the MRT 3 BLT contract entered into by the FVR administration. It had been revised by succeeding administrations. After all the financial gymnastics, the Sobrepena-led MRTC still owns the system.

What has been sold to the financial market are MRT bonds representing 77 percent of the securitized future monthly rental payments for Phase 1 of the MRT 3 project and excludes any economic interest in other aspects of the MRT3. This was what government bought through DBP and LandBank.

The GFIs bought their MRT bonds at a big discount to face value. Market perception of the credit worthiness of the bonds may have been tarnished by the delayed lease payments.

Around 2007-2009, there were periods when the then DOTC was almost one year in arrears.  DOTC also neglected to set up the standby L/C in PNB which was supposed to be the cure for late payments. The last tranche of the bonds will mature on 2025, or the end of the lease period.

Since government banks hold 80 percent of total outstanding bonds, it is like paying from one government pocket to another to some extent. But Sobrepena’s MRTC retains ownership. As owner of the system, it is the responsibility of MRTC to maintain MRT 3 and make capital investments such as new trains.

But as it happened, Mar Roxas and his successor, pAbaya unilaterally took over the maintenance responsibility and awarded a contract to replace Sumitomo. Then pAbaya went on to award the P3.8 billion contract for new trains to a Chinese supplier.

MRTC claims the transportation department did all those in violation of their contract. MRTC also claims they tried to talk to both pAbaya and TuGrabe, but both refused.

I can understand why a government official will try to avoid having to deal with Sobrepena. I would too. The guy has a terrible track record in business, from the College Assurance Plan fiasco, Fil-Estate and Camp John Hay.

Perhaps the reason Mar Roxas ruled against Sobrepena is because MRTC has not kept their side of the bargain. I am told that maintenance, even under Sumitomo, had deteriorated just before the contract was cancelled.

But, as I said, there is no escaping the need to deal with MRTC. Ignoring MRTC means they will be indefinitely tied up in litigation while commuters suffer.

The MRT 3 contract has provisions for international arbitration of disputes. Indeed, there is a pending arbitration case in Singapore that needs to be cleared.

The only other thing government can probably do is to expropriate the system in the public interest. They can argue forever about the just compensation, but in the meantime, government can ask another group to invest and fix the system.

But such a drastic move will unnerve investors who will now worry about the sanctity of contracts with government. Doubts will likely affect investor attitude on everything else having to do with risking capital here.

We lost an opportunity to amicably fix the problem during the watch of Mar Roxas. At that time, Sobrepena had an agreement with Manny Pangilinan to make a joint proposal. Manny will pour in the needed investments, fix the dilapidated system and charge a fare competitive with aircon buses running at-grade. P-Noy reportedly commented that MVP may get too rich and that was the end of it.

Now, I understand the deal between Sobrepena and MVP is no longer operative. MVP made an independent unsolicited bid together with Ayala (part of the original MRT 3 consortium) and the transport department gave it original proponent status.

The proposal involves an investment of P12 billion to rehabilitate the train system without any fare increase for at least two years, as well as the handling of operations for a period of 30 to 32 years. It also includes resolving issues on the MRT-3 including the buyout of the government’s stake held by LandBank and DBP, as well as other shareholders in MRTC or the private owner of the train system.

But MRTC, as the owners of the MRT-3, now wants to reassert their rights. They claim they can rehire Sumitomo and fix the MRT-3 system without stopping operations, if DOTr would allow them.

MRTC claims they have submitted several letters to Transportation Sec. Art Tugade and President Duterte as early as February. But they got no response.

The rehabilitation plan of MRTC will include a full inspection of the MRT to be completed within 30 days by 100 engineers, the purchase of $50 million worth of spare parts, replacement of broken rails, the complete overhaul of all 73 MRT cars.

MRTC has, likewise, expressed willingness to advance the $150 million for the rehabilitation of the trains, to recover later only through fares, even without increasing MRT fares beyond the rates of air-conditioned buses.

Trusting Sobrepena to perform or even have the financial capacity to carry out his proposal is another thing altogether. It may be cheaper for President Duterte to talk to him, appeal to his sense of patriotism and when everything fails, to threaten him with Tokhang. 

As unpalatable as dealing with Sobrepena can be, he has to be dealt with or no lasting solution is possible and MRT 3’s problems will just worsen. That will be TuGrabe.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/11/27/1762696/pabaya-tugrabe

2M more workers needed for ‘Build Build Build’

A Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official said on Thursday that 2 million more workers will be needed for the government’s “Build Build Build” infrastructure program, noting that it is ramping up efforts to provide trainings to those wishing to work in construction.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 1st Philippines-Japan Conference on Construction at Hotel Jen in Pasay City, Trade Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business Group Ruth Castelo said the country has almost 4 million construction workers.

“Human resources is one of the industry’s most critical assets. If we push to adequately capacitate and utilize our construction workforce, we believe that it could drive forward the industry’s competitive advantage,” Castelo said.

“In the Philippines, there workforce in the construction industry, and we expect to need 2 million more to be able to address the government’s ‘Build, Build, Build,” she added.

The DTI official said the government is implementing interventions to encourage more workers to join the industry.

“We need to do massive trainings. We need a lot of technology and to be able to put proper discipline in our workers, and that is why we need to collaborate more with the Japanese, because we believe in their capabilities,” Castelo said.

The half-day conference—organized by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), through its human resource development arm, the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism—brought together industry leaders to develop a more dynamic partnership between the Philippine and Japanese construction sectors.

Castelo said the conference aimed to boost strategic cooperation between Manila and Tokyo in developing programs and interventions for the construction industry.

“This event will allow us to recognize our collective potentials and formulate initiatives to support the harmonization of our shared capacities. This will also serve as an avenue for potential partnerships between Philippine and Japanese enterprises,” she added.

“I cannot overemphasize how vital the construction industry is to our cuntry’s development, both in generating employment and providing infrastructures that our country needs to compete globally. Indeed, it has become an engine that drives growth, stability and competitiveness,” the trade undersecretary said.

First Intermodal transport terminal in Parañaque nearly 50% complete

By Anna Liza Villas-Alavaren

The country’s first intermodal transport terminal being constructed in Parañaque City which is envisioned to decongest EDSA by removing 1,000 passenger buses off the road is now close to 50 percent complete, traffic and transportation officials reported.

The Southwest Integrated Terminal Exchange in Parañaque City, situated along Coastal Road in Parañaque City, is expected to provide by April seamless inter-connectivity of the different modes of transportation — rail networks, provincial and city operating buses, Asian utility Express vehicles, and jeepneys from the neighboring provinces south of Metro Manila.

The terminal, now close to 50 percent complete, is among the five big ticket infrastructure projects that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will inaugurate next year.

Transportation Undersecretary for roads and infrastructure Tim Orbos noted that traffic flow along Edsa is expected to improve once the country’s first intermodal transport terminal is fully operational.

“At least 1000 buses will be taken out of EDSA daily for the comfort and safety of our Cavite and Batangas brothers going to Metro Manila and greatly help decongest Metro Manila traffic,” said Orbos.

Aside from decongesting Edsa, Orbos said the terminal also is also designed to make commuting more convenient for those living in the southern part of the metropolis.

For his part, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim, said provincial PUVs will only be allowed to load and unload in SWITX, avoiding Edsa.

“Buses entering the capital will load and unload passengers in this inter-modal facility where commuters can transfer from one transport mode to another with cabs and other public utility vehicles available,” said Lim.

Lim added that commuters will have access to trains when the Light Rail Transit Line One Extension project is completed.

“A station of the LRT extension project will be constructed near the SWITEx,” said Lim.

With the DOTr’s Route Rationalization Plan that will be soon implemented, reorganization of routes will be a priority. This means provincial PUVs will only be allowed to load and unload in SWITEx, avoiding EDSA altogether.

As planned, the SWITX will resemble an airport terminal with four-level platforms. It will have passenger terminal buildings, embarkation and disembarkation bays, staging bays, ticketing and baggage handling facilities and park-ride facilities.

Catching a bus is also made easier with the On-line Bus Ticketing System (OBTS), an intuitive online and on-site booking and ticketing system. Departure schedules will also be displayed on large screens. Buses will likewise be equipped with Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) tag for efficient managing, tracking, and monitoring inside the terminal premises.

Vehicles and passengers’ queuing, loading, and unloading will all be systematized. The terminal will also be equipped with WiFi and charging points.

There will be air-conditioned lounges and waiting areas for passengers, as well as retail stores and food centers. Drivers will also have their own room.

CCTVs and baggage scanners will be installed and security personnel will be stationed 24/7 to ensure safety of passengers.

In order to make the terminal more vibrant, commercial spaces and offices will be occupying the premises. This will also ensure a steady flow of passengers that will be using the new terminal.

Ejercito hopes Sumitomo returns as MRT-3 maintenance provider

Sen. JV Ejercito on Saturday said he hopes Sumitomo Corp. will return as maintenance provider for the MRT-3.

“Ang maintenance provider will be crucial. Now that (undersecretary) Cesar (Chavez) is gone, I’m hoping that, call me biased, pero ako talagang Sumitomo . . . I’m hoping that Sumitomo comes back. Kasi unang-una, sabi nga natin reputable Japanese company,” Ejercito, chairman of the Senate committee on urban planning, housing and resettlement, told radio DZMM.

“Pangalawa, sila na iyong nanggaling na rito. May experience na, they have an idea or knowledge already of the MRT system. So ako siguro that’s the immediate [solution], if you can convince Sumitomo to come back.”

The MRT-3 has been in hot water lately for increasing passenger offloads and an incident involving two train cars being detached from one another.

Chavez on Thursday resigned as transportation undersecretary for rail and said he was taking responsibility for the train incidents.

Read: Rail Usec Chavez resigns after MRT incidents

Ejercito added that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) should get a maintenance provider that invests on spare parts.

“Ang kailangan mo dyan, alam iyong sistema. Pangalawa, iyong mag-i-invest on spare parts. Palagay ko iyon ang magiging problema. Itong mga nanalong maintenance providers after Sumitomo, they did not invest on spare parts,” he said.

A check with spare-parts supplier Bombardier showed that "not a single" part was procured from the company since 2013, according to Chavez.

Ejercito, meanwhile, said he is still hopeful that emergency powers will be given to President Duterte to address the country's traffic problem.

Read: Emergency powers for Duterte to address traffic further delayed

“Ako gusto ko pa rin talaga maipasa ito. Unang-una, projects that will fall under the emergency powers will have the exemption from (temporary restraining orders). But to have check and balance, only the Supreme Court can issue a TRO,” he said.

However, the Senate has yet to approve Senate Bill No. 1284, which grants Duterte emergency powers, because the DOTr has yet to present its plans to solve the traffic situation, according to Ejercito.

“I understand also iyong dilemma, if you want detailed engineering plans, medyo matagal iyan. That would take about 6 months up to 1 year. Probably that’s one of the reasons bakit hindi makapagbigay talaga ang DOTr,” he said.

In a statement, Sen. Grace Poe called on Malacañang to certify SB 1284 as urgent.

"Siguradong gagalaw ang emergency powers kung gagawin ng Malacañang na prayoridad ito at sesertipikahan para rin makatulong sa mabilis na pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong magpapaginhawa sa trapik," the statement read.

The DOTr earlier this month terminated its maintenance contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc., a Filipino-Korean consortium, tapped by the previous government.

The government's contract with Sumitomo expired in 2012.

DOTr vows to improve MRT operations despite Chavez resignation

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured commuters that it will pursue initiatives to improve the operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) despite the resignation of a top official.

“The DOTr was caught by surprise by the irrevocable resignation of Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez. We, however, respect his decision to vacate the post in the spirit of delicadeza, and to give way to, according to him, the appointment of a person better qualified to implement swifter reforms at the MRT-3,” the department said in a statement Friday.

The department said it will recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte a qualified and competent official who will be in charge of the rehabilitation of the railway system.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier said he did not cause, or ask for Chavez’s resignation and would have preferred him to stay.

“He has my full trust and confidence. We have been doing plans and strategies together, up until yesterday. Even by texts as I was on sickbay. That is why I am surprised by the very sudden turn of events,” Tugade said.

“If I had it my way, I would have wanted for him to stay,” he added.

In his resignation letter addressed to the President, Chavez said he was stepping down from his position irrevocably out of a “simple sense of delicadeza”.

Chavez said he made the decision to resign after the decoupling incident of a train coach in the MRT Ayala Station last week.

He is confident that the President would be able to select an official with extensive experience in the railway sector and can implement initiatives to improve the MRT system’s operations.

Bring Back Titan Taft!

Now, before 2017 closes and 2018 opens with a bang, sports aficionados saying "Bring Back Titan 22 Taft!"

Titan 22's Taft Avenue Branch at it's old location will re-open soon, that also features:

• 2011 Nike La Salle Tee (green and white)

• 2013-2017 Nike La Salle apparel

Swimwear such as:

• arena aile-bleue
• arn-6000w
• ARN-6001W
• ARN-6002W
• ARN-6003W
• ARN-6004W
• ARN-6005M
• ARN-6006M
• ARN-6007M
• ARN-6008M
• ARN-6009M
• arena nux-F
• ARN-6011W
• ARN-6012W
• ARN-6013
• ARN-6014
• ARN-6015
• speedo FASTSKIN FS-PRO (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER High-Tech Suit (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER ELITE (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER ELITE 2 (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER PRO (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN LZR RACER X (UK Version)
• speedo FASTSKIN3 (UK Version)

Siblings Enchong and Anj Dee will be here, and the two will be using the 2009 Adidas DLSU Hoodie (Green and White) and Pant (Green), 2011 Nike La Salle tee (white and green), arena Half Spats D nux-f ARN-6014 DGRN and speedo FASTSKIN FS-PRO Women's Recordbreaker (UK version).