ABS-CBN, GMA contest ratings lead in October

ABS-CBN Corp. maintained its leadership in nationwide television ratings in October, while GMA Network Inc. claimed it won the ratings game in urban households.

In a statement, ABS-CBN said it had an average national audience share of 46 percent in October, higher than GMA’s 33 percent based on data from multinational audience measurement provider Kantar Media.

Kantar Media uses a nationwide panel size of 2,610 urban and rural households to represent the total Philippine TV viewing population.

The Kapamilya network said it dominated all time blocks for October.

In particular, ABS-CBN won in the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 midnight) as it got a 50 percent audience share, ahead of GMA’s 31 percent.

The primetime block is considered the most important part of the day for advertisers as this is when most Filipinos watch TV.

In Mega Manila, ABS-CBN had an average audience share of 36 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent, while it had a higher audience share of 41 percent compared to GMA’s 27 percent in Metro Manila.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Variety show It’s Showtime, is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 35.9% on weekdays and 29.5% on Saturdays, against its rival Eat Bulaga which only got 39% on weekdays and 32% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, ASAP, Banana Sundae, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, Ipaglaban Mo, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Bandila, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Rated K, Gandang Gabi Vice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, MMK, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

Meanwhile, GMA said in a statement it got a higher average total day audience share of 41.7 percent for the period of Oct.1 to 28 compared with ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent, based on Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement’s National Urban TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM).

GMA said it also ruled across all day parts in NUTAM as it got a 38.5 percent people audience share as compared to ABS-CBN’s 35.9 percent in the morning block, a 45.4 percent audience share as against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent in the afternoon block, and 40.2 percent audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 39.4 percent share in the evening block.

GMA also beat its rival in Urban Luzon where it had an audience share of 47.2 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent.

As for Mega Manila, GMA stayed ahead of competition with an audience share of 48.8 percent compared to ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.

More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.

Pepito Manaloto is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, 24 Oras, Magpakailanman, Celebrity Bluff, Super Maam, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, 24 Oras Weekend, All-Star Videoke and Alyas Robin Hood.

Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are Wowowin, Ika-6 na Utos, My Korean Jagiya, Bubble Gang, Saksi, Imbestigador, Eat Bulaga, Sunday Pinasaya, Dear Uge, Impostora, Haplos and Tadhana.

Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.

Based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, DZBB garnered a total day average audience share of 32.3 percent in October, which toppled DZMM’s 27.5 percent and DWWW’s 12.6 percent.

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/11/05/1755609/abs-cbn-gma-contest-ratings-lead-october

Top 2 networks both claim viewership lead

THE country’s biggest broadcast networks ABS-CBN and GMA both claimed top ratings in October based on their respective television audience measurement providers.

In a statement on Friday, ABS-CBN said it posted an average audience share of 46 percent in October, 13 percent higher than GMA’s 33 percent, based on data from Kantar Media.


Meanwhile, citing data from Nielsen Philippines TV Audience Measurement (NUTAM), GMA said it outstripped ABS-CBN with a total day people audience share of 41.7 percent versus ABS-CBN’s 38.1 percent.


ABS-CBN said it led the primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 a.m.) with an audience share of 50 percent, 19 points higher than GMA’s 31 percent.


It said it continued to expand its lead with its morning (6 a.m. to 12 noon) and afternoon blocks (12 noon to 3 p.m.) that scored average audience shares of 39 percent and 47 percent, respectively, against GMA’s 32 percent and 33 percent.


ABS-CBN said it won the ratings game in “all territories” such as Mega Manila where it scored an average audience share of 36 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent; in Metro Manila with 41 percent versus GMA’s 27 percent; in Total Luzon with 43 percent versus GMA’s 34 percent; in Total Visayas with 53 percent versus GMA’s 28 percent; and in Total Mindanao with 50 percent versus GMA’s 33 percent.


Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.


Variety show “It’s Showtime,” is still the most watched noontime show in the country with a national TV rating of 35.2% on weekdays and 29.5% on Saturdays, against its rival “Eat Bulaga” which only got 28% on weekdays and 25% on Saturdays, ABS-CBN said.


Also in the top 10 were “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” “ASAP,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “Pusong Ligaw,” “The Promise of Forever,” “Ipaglaban Mo,” “TV Patrol,” “La Luna Sangre,” “The Good Son,” “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” “Bandila,” “Little Big Shots,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Rated K,” “Gandang Gabi Vice,” “Wildflower,” “Wansapanataym,” “MMK,” “Home Sweetie Home,” and “Goin’ Bulilit.”


As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.


ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.


Meanwhile, GMA said it recorded higher ratings across all day parts in NUTAM. In the morning block, GMA said it registered an audience share of 38.5 percent compared to the 35.9 percent of ABS-CBN; afternoon line-up boosted the time block with a 45.4 percent viewership against ABS-CBN’s 37.5 percent; and the evening block was also captured with a 40.2 percent viewership versus the other network’s 39.4 percent.


GMA said it posted a total day people audience share of 47.2 percent, 14.6 points higher than ABS-CBN’s 32.6 percent in Urban Luzon, while in Mega Manila (based on October 1 to 21 data), it said it gathered 48.8 percent total day people audience share versus ABS-CBN’s 29.3 percent.


More Kapuso shows are in the list of top programs in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement.


“Pepito Manaloto” is the most-watched program for October, also making in the list are “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” “24 Oras,” “Magpakailanman,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “Super Maam,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “24 Oras Weekend,” “All-Star Videoke,” and “Alyas Robin Hood.”


Also making to the list are the most-watched programs are “Wowowin,” “Ika-6 na Utos,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “Bubble Gang,” “Saksi,” “Imbestigador,” “Road Trip,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday Pinasaya,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” and “Tadhana.”


Further, GMA’s flagship AM radio station Super Radyo DZBB was also hailed as the listeners’ number one choice in Mega Manila proving GMA’s dominance both in TV and radio.


Based on the latest data from Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement, DZBB garnered a total day average audience share of 32.3 percent in October, which toppled DZMM’s 27.5 percent and DWWW’s 12.6 percent.


http://www.manilatimes.net/top-2-networks-claim-viewership-lead/360594/

MNL48 going full throttle with nationwide auditions

The official operator of MNL48, Hallohallo Entertainment Inc., is making waves nationwide since it started its auditions for MNL48 hopefuls last Oct. 14 at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall.

Since forging a strong partnership with ABS-CBN and its noontime show “It’s Showtime,” MNL48 has conducted auditions at Far Eastern University, Manila, Starmall Alabang and LRT 2 Legarda Station. Young MNL48 aspirants ages 15-20 years old can find out more about where the MNL48 audition truck is headed through their social media accounts.

Headed by Paolo Kurosawa, the goal is to complete the members of MNL48 and launch it as the official sister group in the Philippines of AKB48, the globally popular Japanese pop icon group.

AKB48 started its unique concept of “Idols You Can Meet” in 2005 and has since been performing in their own theater at Akihabara, Tokyo. They have counterparts in Jakarta, Taipei and Bangkok.

As the Filipino adaptation of AKB48, the highest-selling idol group in Japan, supporters may vote for their favorite aspirant through MNL48 website. They can also download the mobile app available from Google Play or the App Store. The app will provide a unique supporting system as they have unlimited “likes” to their chosen aspirant which help get their rank higher as well as real-time access on the recent happening of MNL48.

• • •

Tribute to Annie Brazil

Musical tribute “All My Lovin’” will be given tonight to Ms. Annie Brazil, dubbed the “Queen of Jazz.” It will be held at Romulo’s Cafe at the Azumi Boutique Hotel at the Madrigal Business Park Phase III, Alabang.

The performers are jazz artists Richard Merk, Emcy Corteza and Pat Castillo.

Among Annie’s siblings are Richard and Rachel Anne Wolfe who are both singer-actors. Annie retired in the US where she still sings regularly until she suffered a stroke last year.

• • •

ABS-CBN leads urban, rural ratings in October

ABS-CBN said Friday it maintained the nationwide ratings lead in October, ahead of the competition in all regions.

Citing a nationwide survey of urban and rural homes by Kantar Media that represent the country's entire TV viewing population, ABS-CBN said it had a national audience share of 46 percent, 13 points ahead of GMA Network with 33 percent.

ABS-CBN said it was ahead of GMA in all regions, 36 percent versus 34 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent versus 27 percent in Metro Manila, 43 percent versus 34 percent in Luzon, 53 percent versus 28 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent versus 33 percent in Mindanao.

The Kapamilya network also led across all time blocks against GMA, 39 percent versus 32 percent from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., 47 percent versus 33 percent from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 42 percent versus 39 percent from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 50 percent versus 31 percent in the primetime block from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It's Showtime, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, TV Patrol, La Luna Sangre, The Good Son, Tonight with Boy Abunda, Little Big Shots, I Can See Your Voice, Wildflower, Wansapanataym, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Home Sweetie Home and Goin Bulilit.

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 4, go to Noquito Beltran, Armida Siguion-Reyna, singer Roeder, Ningning Ocampo, Michelle C. Santos, Dr. Lito Sarao, Lilia Ty, Jennifer “Chiqui” Canlas, Melissa Mercado, Dr. Jun Mendiola, Luz M. J. Acosta, Modesta Boquiren, Nap Miranda of PCSO PR Dept., Dean Calleja, Wilson Constantino, Schaun Delbert Gamboa, my brother Carlo V. Martinez, Bobong Velez, Tessie Cruz, Michelle Madrigal, Tess Palada, Michelle Santos, Dr. Jun Mendiola, J-Ar Armas, Nellie Bengzon, Melissa Mercado, Chiqui Canlas, Dr. Lito Sarao, Lilia Ty, Ching Lopez, Dr. Mike Noche, Bea Binene, Jekki Pascual, Aynsleigh Gephart Anora, Ira Duane Estado, Ivy Valero, Judith Bacarsa, Marc Louie Arafol, Rachel Lorraine Tan, Robert Almerio and Angelica Panganiban…Nov. 5: MTRCB Vice Chairman Maning Borlaza, Bong Osorio, former head of ABS-CBN Corporate Communications, former Sec. Raul Gonzalez, Gabby Concepcion, Zandro Zamora, Mrs. Julie Benedicto, Marife Santos, Carol Nielsen, Thelma Paredes, Cherry E. Mojica, Arman Giron, Alexander P. Romero, Mon Chua, Dr. Aldrene Lee-Tan, Isabel D. Espejo, Quincie Joy Crisostomo, Thea Clarise Tagulao, Marc P. Ventura of LA, Ma. Elena K. Bocalan, Ida F. Caalim, Belinda Zabala Valdecanas, Darius Driz of PCSO PR Dept, Marion Bailey, 2008 Bb. Pilipinas International Patricia Fernandez (news anchor of CNN Philippines), Joy Isabel, Dr. Rudy Ante, Jomar D. Belen of CA, Mina Malinab-Martinez, Yugel Losorata, Bing Formento, Enchong Dee and Dianne Medina of Star Magic… Nov. 6: Shaina Magdayao, Doña Rufina Saldaña, Letty Caparrus, Joy Buensalido, Clara Tagasa, Dr. Raul Guanzon, Michael Bermundo, Manu Pili, Edd Fuentes, Rene Nieva, Leonardia Camacho, Meldy Tuazon-Rubiano, Michael Bermundo, Fr. Jessel Gered Gonzales, S.J., Mhine Jesa, Clara Francesca Tagasa, Manu H. Pili, Bong Obligacion, Gee-Ann Abraham, Jolina Magdangal, and MB’s executive editor Pinky Colmenares…

ABS-CBN leads urban, rural ratings in October

ABS-CBN said Friday it maintained the nationwide ratings lead in October, ahead of the competition in all regions.

Citing a nationwide survey of urban and rural homes by Kantar Media that represent the country's entire TV viewing population, ABS-CBN said it had a national audience share of 46 percent, 13 points ahead of GMA Network with 33 percent.

ABS-CBN said it was ahead of GMA in all regions, 36 percent versus 34 percent in Mega Manila, 41 percent versus 27 percent in Metro Manila, 43 percent versus 34 percent in Luzon, 53 percent versus 28 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent versus 33 percent in Mindanao.

The Kapamilya network also led across all time blocks against GMA, 39 percent versus 32 percent from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., 47 percent versus 33 percent from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., 42 percent versus 39 percent from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and 50 percent versus 31 percent in the primetime block from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Nine of the 11 most watched programs nationwide in October also belong to ABS-CBN, led by the long-running police drama FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, which recorded a national TV rating of 39.9 percent.

Also in the top 10 were Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin, It's Showtime, Pusong Ligaw, The Promise of Forever, TV Patrol (34.4 percent), La Luna Sangre (33 percent), The Good Son, Little Big Shots (31.3 percent), Wildflower (28.9 percent), Wansapanataym (27.5 percent), MMK (27.1 percent), Home Sweetie Home (27.1 percent), and Goin Bulilit (24 percent).

As of mid-September, ABS-CBN said it sold 3.6 million units of its TVplus digital service, helping drive its terrestrial television penetration in Metro Manila. One in 2 homes in the area have TVplus, according to Kantar.

ABS-CBN also offers content online through iWant TV. The top five most watched programs on the platform in October were La Luna Sangre, Wildflower, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, Pusong Ligaw, and The Good Son.

News.abs-cbn.com is the official news website of ABS-CBN Corp.

‘Tabi Po,’ more than the usual aswang tale

“Tabi Po The Series” which premiered on Sari Sari Channel on Cignal TV last week, aims to show love and beauty amid the horrific lives of creatures called aswangs.

“Tabi Po” is about Elias, a neophyte aswang. Born from a balete tree during the country’s Spanish era, Elias embarks on a journey with two older aswangs, Tasyo and Sabel, in the quest to understand their true nature.

The series is a TV adaptation of Mervin Malonzo’s best-selling graphic novel series that won the National Book Awards for Graphic Literature. Directed by Paul Basinillo, “Tabi Po” stars a powerhouse cast led by Luis Alandy as Tasyo, Phoebe Walker as Sabel, Jourdanne Castillo as Salome, and AJ Muhlach as Elias.

“Tabi Po The Series” airs every Friday until Dec. 1 at 8 p.m

• • •

Heart graces PVB stockholders meeting

The presence of Veterans Bank’s brand ambassador Heart Evangelista-Escudero was the highlight of the recently held Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) Annual Stockholder’s meeting attended by more than 3,000 stockholders and their heirs.

Heart, together with PVB Board of Directors headed by Chairman and CEO Roberto F. de Ocampo, PVB Vice-Chairman Guillermo L. Parayno, Jr. and President and COO Nonilo C. Cruz awarded a plaque of recognition to three centenarians and World War II heroes who also received cash gifts from the bank.

Philippine Veterans Bank is owned by some 384,000 Filipino World War II veterans and their designated heirs.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 2, go to Ely Buendia, Jenny Syquia, Jaime Blanch, Mell Salas, Ezekiel Joshua Dimaguila, Engr. Remegio Biazon, Rep. Lynette Punzalan, and Arnold Clavio… Nov. 3: Rep. Vilma Santos, Mabel Abaño, Evelina Ramos Cavett, Atoy Perez, Eric Tagle, Babylyn Velasco, Josefina Javellana, Maria Manna Merk, singer Amapola and Renz Mark P. Bernardino…

San Miguel awaits gov't OK for 3-year toll road network expansion

SMC will expand and extend SLEX, the Skyway system, the NAIA Expressway, and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road in a bid to decongest traditional chokepoints

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) led by tycoon Ramon Ang will begin its 3-year plan to expand all its toll roads in southern Metro Manila once the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) gives the green light for the project.

"All technical studies for the expansion of all our southern Metro Manila toll roads are now complete and ready for construction. We’re just waiting to get final approval," SMC president and chief operating officer Ang said in a statement on Wednesday, November 1.

The infrastructure arm of SMC said it can complete the expansion of South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway system, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) in just 3 years.

San Miguel Holdings Corporation said these projects are expected to decongest traditional chokepoints, like the Alabang viaduct, the Sucat and Bicutan interchanges, Magallanes, the C5 entrance and exit to SLEX, and the NAIAX entry to Skyway.

Its massive toll road expansion plan, in effect, will, ease traffic on public roads leading to these major toll entry and exit points.

"The expansion of these major expressways is long overdue. But we’ve done our homework, we’ve invested to complete the studies and designs, and we’ve submitted all of these to the TRB for review," Ang said. (READ: Meet Ramon Ang, Filipino billionaire and Duterte's friend)

10 lanes for SLEX

Once approved by the TRB, San Miguel will add a 5th lane each to both the southbound and northbound lanes of SLEX to Calamba exit, effectively widening it to 10 lanes.

First phase of the SLEX expansion is from Alabang to Susana Heights. SMC has earmarked P130 million and set a one-year construction period for this phase. This involves extending the width of the expressway towards its perimeter fence.

The remaining section all the way to Calamba can be completed by 2021, if the TRB approves it at the soonest possible time, said SMC.

The conglomerate said that it has already started bidding out construction of the project to contractors.

Meanwhile, SMC has also submitted designs to widen the elevated Skyway from Alabang to Sucat by two lanes and to extend it to the Alabang viaduct.

Skyway, NAIAX extension

Ang said this design will solve the perennial congestion on the elevated Skyway system, bringing the total number of elevated lanes to 6 with provisions for a 7th lane.

The company also submitted engineering plans and completed detailed design to TRB to extend the NAIAX all the way to Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

This is seen to ease traffic on the Sales Bridge and lessen travel time from the Coastal Road, NAIA Terminal 1, 2, and 3, and SM Mall of Asia areas to BGC to only 10 minutes. (READ: San Miguel's latest venture: BMW vehicles)

Also included is the additional NAIAX ramps extension from NAIA Terminal 1 and 2 areas all the way to SM Sucat in Paranaque, where it can link up with the C-5 extension.

SMC said this will benefit motorists heading to Sucat, Las Piñas, and C5, who usually spend around 30 minutes to an hour just getting out of gridlock along airport roads.

Ang said SMC is also looking to implement plans to build a down ramp from the northbound elevated Skyway towards C-5 or BGC area. He said the construction of a one-lane ramp will take 1.5 years to complete.

"All these projects are ready for implementation. These are all just improvements/extensions of existing expressways, so we are hoping that the TRB can review and act on our submissions at the soonest possible time," the SMC chief added. – Rappler.com

‘No relocation, no demolition,’ says Estrada on construction of NLEX-SLEX road connector

MANILA City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada gave his assurance that no families will be displaced once the construction of the P23.3-billion NLEX-SLEX (North Luzon Express Way-South Luzon Express Way) road connector project has started.

“We will stick to our rule: ‘No relocation, no demolition’. No families will be asked to move out without new homes they can transfer to,” Estrada said.

Estrada said the affected families would be properly compensated as mandated by Republic Act 8974, which provides guidelines in the acquisition of right-of-way, site or location for national government infrastructure projects.

According to NLEX Corp., 3,500 informal settler families (ISFs) in Manila will be affected once the construction has started.

Edward Castro, engineer of NLEX Corporation said that 85 percent of the alignment of the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road would pass through 38 villages (barangay) in Manila.

“NLEX Corporation will help in the project with the City of Manila, especially in the ISFs (informal settler families) who will be affected,” Castro said.

The project alignment will also affect 1,043 privately owned lots with a total land area of 87,174.61 square meters.

“The city government will also handle the traffic management aspect of the construction, which is set to start in the second quarter of 2018 and is expected to be finished by 2020,” Estrada said.

The project is an 8-kilometer, all elevated 2×2 highway, extending the NLEX Southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road Caloocan City to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The highway will also connect the common point of Skyway Stage 3, traversing mostly along the PNR rail track. Its interchanges will be on C3 Caloocan City and España in Manila. ASHLEY JOSE

SMC proposes to extend NAIA Expressway to BGC

Conglomerate urges gov’t to act on new toll road expansion projects

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) wants to expand its NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) project to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig to provide better access of Manila’s airport complex to more areas in the capital district.

SMC announced the plan—which requires the government’s approval—in a statement on Wednesday.

It also announced that various technical studies to expand its massive southern Manila toll road network spanning South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), the Skyway system, and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (Star) have been completed. North of Manila, it operates the Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway.

In its statement, SMC revealed that complete detailed engineering plans for the expansion of the 7.7-kilometer NAIAx project going to BGC have been submitted to the government.

SMC said the project will decongest Magallanes and the Edsa-Pasay area. The NAIAx extension also aims to cut travel time between Coastal Road and SM Mall of Asia areas and BGC to just 10 minutes.

The NAIAx, a private public partnership project that SMC opened last year, is a key part of Metro Manila’s toll road network. Serving some 80,000 vehicles per day, it provides access to all terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Skyway, Cavite Expressway and other major roads with its 14 on and off ramps.

SMC also wants further links for NAIAx. Among these, NAIAx ramps from the Naia Terminals 1 and 2 areas all the way to SM Sucat, where it can link up with the C5 extension project.

“This will benefit motorists heading to Sucat, Las Pinas, and C5 who usually spend anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour just getting out of gridlock along airport roads,” SMC said in its statement.

SMC president Ramon S. Ang said the conglomerate was preparing for a wave of expansion of its toll road business over the next three years.

Earlier this year, it announced an agreement with the state-run Philippine National Construction Corp. to jointly expand several such projects, valued at a combined P554 billion

“There is no stopping the Philippines’ growth. With this, more people will be travelling, more goods will be transported, so we expect that traffic volume will just get worse,” Ang said.

He said other projects to expand its southern Manila toll road network were ready, and it was up to the government to approve and implement these.

Its new projects would decongest traditional chokepoints such as the Alabang viaduct, the Sucat and Bicutan interchanges, Magallanes, the C5 entrance and exit to SLEX, and the NAIAx entry to Skyway and also on public roads leading to these areas.

“The expansion of these major expressways is long overdue. But we’ve done our homework, we’ve invested to complete the studies and designs, and we’ve submitted all of these to the Toll Regulatory Board for their review. All these projects can be completed within three years, provided government gives us the green light to proceed right away,” Ang said.

SMC is also adding a fifth lane each to both the southbound and northbound lanes of SLEx to Calamba exit, effectively widening it to ten lanes.

It said the first phase will run from Alabang to Susana Heights. It will cost P130 million and can be completed in a year.

The remaining section all the way to Calamba can be completed by 2021— if government approves it “at the soonest possible time,” SMC said.

Moreover, it submitted a design to widen the elevated Skyway from Alabang to Sucat by two   lanes as well as extend it to the Alabang viaduct.

“This will bring the total number of elevated lanes to six–three lanes each way–with provision for a seventh lane. This project can be completed in three years,” SMC said.

Finally, SMC wants to build a down ramp from the northbound elevated Skyway towards C5/BGC. This project is expected to take a year and a half to complete.

“We’re committed to finishing these on schedule, and we are confident that these projects will greatly improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila which our countrymen have had to endure for many, many years,” Ang said.

SMC looks to expand SLEX, Skyway, NAIAex

San Miguel Corporation said Wednesday it was waiting for the government's go-signal to implement expansion plans for several tollways. 

SMC aims to expand the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway system, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road.

"All technical studies for the expansion of all our southern Metro Manila toll roads are now complete and ready for construction. We're just waiting to get final approval for each of these projects from the Toll Regulatory Board," SMC president Ramon S. Ang, said.

Ang said all of the projects can be finished within 3 years.

SMC plans to add a 5th lane to both the southbound and northbound lanes of SLEX to Calamba exit, effectively widening it to ten lanes.

It also plans to widen the elevated Skyway from Alabang to Sucat by two lanes, as well as extend it to the Alabang viaduct.

The company is also looking to extend the new NAIA Expressway all the way to Bonifacio Global City, and extend its ramps from the NAIA Terminal 1 and 2 areas all the way to SM City Sucat, where it can link up with the C5 extension.

Ang said SMC is also planning to build a down ramp from the northbound elevated Skyway towards C5/BGC.

"These are all just improvements, extensions of existing expressways, so we are hoping that the TRB can review and act on our submissions at the soonest possible time," Ang said.

Japan commits to fast-track subway, train system projects in Philippines

“I am pleased with Japan’s reiteration that it is fully committed to – as he described it – ‘give flesh’ to the 1 trillion yen or close to nine billion dollars pledge for assistance to the Philippines,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in joint press conference after the meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday in Tokyo.

“This covers huge impact and high value infrastructure projects that my country needs to sustain and spur our economic growth,” the President added.

“There will be some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects, including the Metro Manila Subway project, and major developments in the regions and provinces,” he said.

Prime Minister Abe committed to fast-track the implementation of Metro Manila subway project; and the railway project which will connect Metro Manila to central Luzon.

Duterte said the Philippines and Japan are entering the golden age of strategic partnership.

“It’s a commitment founded on the democratic values we hold dear. It’s a resolve that has withstood the test of time. Working together, we should have much to show and to be proud of in the years to come,” he said.

DOF assures faster implementation of BBB projects under hybrid PPP

THE Department of Finance (DOF) will impose an 18-month benchmark for private companies in starting infrastructure projects, notably those being undertaken through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III said that, since the government could be able to start an infrastructure project within an 18-month period, or a year and a half, why should it settle for the PPP that takes around 30 months before the actual start.

“We have no time, we are very far behind in infrastructure and we have to move faster. We [the government] have proven we can start a project in 18 months, so that is the benchmark the private sector has to meet. We have to start it; the country needs the infrastructure. So you want us to punish the public and wait around for some guys to do the PPP for 50 months, I think that is not fair to the public,” Dominguez told financial reporters.

According to the finance chief, the Duterte administration’s “hybrid” PPP Program will help speed up the rollout of the government’s big-ticket infrastructure projects under its “Build, Build, Build” program, as this modified strategy will avoid the protracted negotiations and disputes that often result in the delayed implementation of previous PPP initiatives.

“How many PPP projects were actually started by the last administration? Half a dozen. They have six years to do it. Half a dozen in six years, and the average took 30 months, and one of them took 50 months. Fifty months from the conception to the start. I am not talking about completion,” he added.

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway project, which took all of 50 months to conceptualize and begin implementation, is one prime example of why the government decided to modify the traditional PPP formula and fast-track the process.

He said that, rather than resort to the traditional PPP mode, and encounter the same problems in the private sector, the Duterte administration decided to take the initiative and put in place a hybrid PPP in which the government will build and finance the infrastructure projects, and later auction off the operation and maintenance aspects to the private sector.

“We are not willing to wait for the private sector to settle their differences. While private companies quarrel among themselves as to who will make the profit, the public suffers from lack of infrastructure. The Duterte administration is willing to take the construction risks and spend budgeted funds to start projects early,” he said.

 Interesting that the long delays for the Cavite Laguna Expressway were one of the reasons why the Duterte administration is pursuing a hybrid PPP plan. But CALAx itself is not being funded by a hybrid PPP scheme right? Is CALAx 100% MPIC funded under subsidiary MPCALA?

The article also cites the new Clark Green City as a model for hybrid PPP. Tingnan natin kung ano ang magiging resulta nun:

Dominguez added the proposed New Clark City in Pampanga is concrete proof that the hybrid PPP mode is faster and is more efficient considering that it took the government only 18 months to break ground on the project.

“We took over in July of 2016. In December, we will break ground already for the Clark project,” he added.

Dominguez said the Plaridel Bypass Road that will link the North Luzon Expressway with the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway in Bulacan, which was supposed to be implemented via the traditional PPP mode, will already be finished next year under the hybrid PPP.

“Had we done that with PPP, would still be negotiating with them [the private sector] now. But  has started it, and we’ll finish it by next year,” Dominguez added.

Earlier, Dominguez said that the hybrid PPP mode does not totally shut out private contractors from taking part in the implementation of infrastructure projects, as unsolicited proposals are still welcome from the private sector which would have a better grasp at identifying potential problems and offering better solutions to prospective ventures.

‘PH subway running by end of Duterte’s term’

THE country will have its first subway system before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

This was according to Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who accompanied Duterte on a visit to Japan this week.

The $9-billion economic and infrastructure assistance pledge made by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during Duterte’s visit in Japan clearly indicated that the subway project would materialize, he told reporters.
“I am confident Japan will honor its pledges and commitments,” the senator said.

Ejercito recalled that during the presidency of his father, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, then Japanese prime minister Keizo Obuchi delivered on his pledge to assist the Philippines in the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project and various airports.

During Duterte’s second official visit, Japan reiterated its full commitment to provide ¥1 trillion in assistance to the Philippines to boost economic and infrastructure development in the next five years.
Duterte made the announcement in a joint news conference with Abe during the first day of the visit on Monday.

“I am pleased with Japan’s reiteration that it is fully committed to give flesh to its one-trillion-yen pledge of assistance for the Philippines which covers high-impact and high-value infrastructure projects that my country needs to sustain and spur economic growth. These will include some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects, including the Metro Manila subway project and well as major developments in the regions and provinces,” Duterte said.

“Our commitment to further expand our cooperative ties show that the Philippines and Japan is building a golden age of strategic partnership,” he added.

Families displaced by road project to get new homes

Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada gave assurances that families that will be displaced by the construction of the P23.3-billion NLEX-SLEX (North Luzon Express Way-South Luzon Express Way) road connector project will have new homes in relocation sites.

“We will stick to our rule: no relocation, no demolition. No families will be asked to move out without new homes they can transfer to,” Estrada said.

The mayor said affected families will be compensated as mandated by Republic Act 8974 which provides guidelines in the acquisition of right-of-way, site or location for national government infrastructure projects.
According to the NLEX Corp., 3,500 informal settler families (ISFs) in Manila will be affected once construction of the project starts.

Edward Castro of NLEX Corp. said 85 percent of the alignment of the connector road will pass through Manila’s 38 barangays.

“The city government will also handle the traffic management aspect of the construction, which is set to start in the second quarter of 2018 and is expected to be finished by 2020,” Estrada said.

The project is an 8-kilometer, elevated highway, extending the NLEX Southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The highway will also connect the common point of Skyway Stage 3, traversing mostly along the PNR rail track. Its interchanges will be on C3 Caloocan City and España in Manila.

Japan pledges over $1B loan to Philippines to fund key infra projects

Japan will provide close to P60 billion worth of loans to the Philippines to support key infrastructure and development projects.

Three projects will be funded by the loan, which had a total amount of 129.857 billion yen ($1.143 billion), statements released by the Japanese foreign ministry showed.

The assistance form part of the 1 trillion yen financial package for Philippine development projects pledged by Japan last year. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe committed to providing the loan during the first day of President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit here.

READ: Philippines, Japan sign $6B worth of business deals

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the terms of the loans are friendly because of the robust ties between the Philippines and Japan.

“It’s really development assistance. It’s like giving a friend a very good deal,” Lopez told reporters Wednesday here.

“It’s like a friend helping another friend,” he added.

READ: Cayetano: Rejecting conditional foreign aid 'a policy to all countries'

As much as 104.53 billion yen may be given to support the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway Project.

The project seeks to help address the traffic congestion in Metro Manila, ease atmospheric pollution and climate change and in turn promote investments in the Philippines.

The interest rate on the loan is 0.1 percent per annum while the repayment period is 28 years after a 12-year grace period.

About 800 billion yen (P356 billion) is needed to complete the subway project. Incoming presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Japan might extend as much as $6 billion or about 600 billion yen worth of loan for the subway.

“There is a commitment from Prime Minister Abe himself about a $6 billion investment in a subway in the Philippines. This will be a tremendous help to the traffic problem in the country,” Roque said.

“A subway is long delayed. I’m very glad to announce that in this trip, the $6 billion investment was formalized,” he added.

Part of the multibillion-peso loan will also fund the third phase of the arterial road bypass project, which costs about 9.399 billion yen.

The project seeks to help relieve traffic congestion and improve transportation capacity and efficiency in Plaridel City by building a bypass road along the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway. The highway directly links Metro Manila with Central Luzon.

The interest rate for the road bypass project is 1.5 percent per annum while the repayment period is 20 years after the grace period of 10 years.

Japan is also providing a 15.928 billion yen loan to fund the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project, which is expected to reduce flood damage in the province.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano and Japan Foreign Minister Taro Kano exchanged notes on the project loan in the presence of Duterte and Abe last Monday.

The rate of interest on the loan is 0.3 percent per annum while the repayment period is 30 years after a 10-year grace period.
Other commitments
Roque said Japan has also announced a currency swap that would allow the conversion of yen to Philippine peso.

“The peso and yen now convertible. That will be tremendous help to OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) because they lose money when they convert to dollar first before converting to peso,” Roque said.

Roque said Japan is also looking into investing $2 billion for a liquefied natural gas facility in the south.

The Japanese government also committed to providing the Philippines 40 patrol boats to strengthen its maritime defense capacity, he added.

Roque said the assistance provided by Japan had nothing to do with maritime disputes in the region. There were speculations that Japan is assisting the Philippines to solicit support on its dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea

“I do not see why there is an ongoing race between China and Japan,” Roque said.

“There's a policy of a veer towards Asia and I think the ever-improving ties between Asian countries, including both Asia and Japan, is a proof that we are not favoring one Asian country as against another,” he added.

READ: Japan vows maximum aid for Marawi rehab

Roque said the giving of assistance by Japan is part of “soft diplomatic policy.”

“As Filipinos, we welcome all countries to be our friends as well. But I'm not aware of any reciprocal obligation imposed on us. It was freely given to us, of course, it's an investment,” Roque said.

“And I think as far as the Japanese government and Japanese businesses are concerned, they consider the Philippines as a viable destination for their investments,” he added.

Roque said the Philippines can give back to Japan by being a “good friend.”
Business deals
A total of 18 business deals were also signed during Duterte’s two-day visit here. The agreements can generate $6 billion worth of new investments.

The Trade department signed agreements with Marubeni Corp., Itochu Corp., Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Taiheiyo Cement Corp., Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Ministop Co., Ltd., and Lawson Inc.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority signed deals with List Co., Ltd., Newcoast Southbeach Realty, Inc. and Subic Smart Community Corp.

Japan Tobacco Inc. inked an agreement with the finance department while Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd signed a deal with the energy department.

Hitachi Asia signed an agreement with Bases Conversion and Development Authority while Ubicon Holdings, Inc. inked a deal with Advanced World Solutions, Inc. and Alsons/AWS Information Systems, Inc.

Densan System Co. Ltd. signed a deal with CIS Bayad Center, Inc. while Hitachi Ltd. and Nuclear Energy Business Unit Koji Tanaka inked an agreement with Meralco.

Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. inked an agreement with Federal Land, Inc. Yamato Kogyo forged an agreement with Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp. while Itochu Corp. inked a deal with Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

PNR South Commuter

"Simulating a tropical rainy scene for our Philippine National Railway PNR station model design with the proposed HET transport system."

"Architectural concept of a greener station for the proposed rehabilitation of the PNR railway systems running on 100% Philippine-made Hybrid Electric train or HET from DOST and MIRDC."

The Metro Commuter Line will be reconstructed as an electrified standard-gauge full double-track line with elevated, at-grade, and depressed sections, and will serve Los Baños.

In order to ensure seamless interoperability for the entire Philippine railway network, ETCS signaling standards have been adopted for PNR South Commuter and for all railway projects integrated with the network.

On September 12, 2017, the National Economic and Development Authority approved the construction of the newer line, as part of the longer Long-haul Railway that will connect to Legazpi City and Matnog, and Batangas City.

Funding for the project, which costs ₱131 billion, is provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and is expected to serve 300,000 passengers a day at its initial year of operation.

Chito Roño’s follow-up to ‘Feng Shui’

Filmmaker Chito Roño’s latest movie “The Ghost Bride” is the follow-up to his previous blockbuster horror flick “Feng Shui.”

“The Ghost Bride” stars Kim Chiu who’s making a comeback to the horror genre. She starred opposite Vilma Santos in the critically-acclaimed film “The Healing” in 2012.

“The Ghost Bride,” Star Cinema’s Halloween offering, co-stars Matteo Guidicelli as Kim’s leading man. A movie about the ancient tradition of ghost weddings, “The Ghost Bride’s” appeal was its supernatural element which Chito said he wanted to play on.

“Nagustuhan ko ’yung concept ng arranged marriage (with a ghost) which is supernatural. Gusto kong paglaruan ang concept na ’yun.”

It is said that ghost wedding was a practice among the Chinese many years ago but it isn’t done anymore. Asked if she would consider marrying a dead person or a ghost, Kim said she would if forced by circumstance. It was practiced before as a means to meet the financial needs of a family, she explained, “so to help my needy family, I’ll do it.”

“The Ghost Bride” opens tomorrow in theaters nationwide. Also in its cast are Christian Bables, Ina Raymundo, Robert Sena, Cacai Bautista, Isay Alvarez, Nanding Josef, Beverly Salviejo, Luz Fernandez, Victor Silayan, Jerome Ponce, and Mon Confiado.

• • •

Spirit of ’67 featured in MLQUAAI reunion

The Spirit of ’67, Aliw Awards Lifetime Achievement Awardee for 2017, will be featured performer at the Manuel L. Quezon University Alumni Association, Inc. Grand Reunion on Nov. 11 at the Pavilion AB, Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong.

Alumni president Atty. Pete S. Principe said the highlight of the special affair, which marks the 70th anniversary of the association, is the awarding of the Top 70 Prominent Quezonians. Fourteen other special awardees will be cited from the different departments including the Schools of Law, Engineering, Architecture, Graduate Studies, Arts and Commerce.

Former PEZA executive director Lilia de Lima will also be honored as 2017 Magsaysay Laureate.

The MLQU is now under new management, the energetic and innovative tandem of chairman Dr. Rizalino Acuzar and Dr. Isagani Germar.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 31, go to Christopher de Leon, Annabelle Rama, Tessie Tomas, Liza Lorena, Mayor Imelda Aguilar, Grace Tamayo, Rene Bisquera, Marites Sapigao, Francisco Gomez de Liano, Atty. Ed Gaddi, Boyet Pasco, Conrado Giron, Manny Zamora, Jocelyn Comandante, Nadine Lustre, and Rory B. Quintos… Nov. 1: Coco Martin, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Dick Escueta, Jun Peña, Atty. Norberto Capistrano, Cora Perez, Mina Reyes, Gladys Armas, Col. Jimmy Tiu, singer Nina, and Winnie Cordero…

Araneta to develop 140-ha. Caloocan business district

Araneta Properties Inc., the listed company of businessman Gregorio Araneta, plans to develop a 140-hectare property in Caloocan City into a central business district, a top executive said over the weekend.

Araneta Properties chairman Gregorio Araneta III said the company’s property in Caloocan was a very good site for a business district because of the development of Metro Rail Transit Line 7 in the northern part of Metro Manila.

“That would be my central business district because currently there is no central business district in Caloocan. It will be the best township development,” Araneta said.

The company plans to start developing the property in the next two years or once MRT 7 is completed, he said.

The property firm is reviewing its funding options to finance the development of the project.

The Caloocan property is one the big pieces of land that Araneta plans to consolidate under his listed property firm. Aside from the Caloocan property, Araneta also consolidates additional properties in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan under the listed entity.

Araneta Properties is developing a 340-hectare property in Bulacan called Colinas Verdas in joint venture partnership with Sta. Lucia Inc.

It also teamed up with Ayala Land for the development of the 120-hectare Altarazza Town Center also in Bulacan.

Ayala Land earlier said it would spend P6.8 billion over the next five years to develop Altarazza, a mixed-use development with a residential component, a shopping mall, a hospital, a school and office buildings for business process outsourcing companies.

Araneta said the land value of its properties in Bulacan significantly increased over the past few years as property developers like Ayala Land, SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc. started developing malls and residential projects in the province.

Araneta said the development of MRT 7 was expected to further increase the cost of land in the area.

MRT 7, a project of conglomerate San Miguel Corp., will link EDSA corner North Avenue in Quezon City to Araneta-Colinas Verdes Subdivision in City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan via a 22-kilometer elevated railway that is expected to serve 500,000 riders a day.

San Miguel is also building a 22-km, six-lane highway that will link San Jose Del Monte to the Balagtas Interchange of the North Luzon Expressway.

Duterte says PH, Japan reach ‘golden age of strategic partnership’

TOKYO— President Duterte declared that the Philippines and Japan are embarking on their “golden age of strategic partnership,” as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promised maximum support for Marawi rehabilitation and fleshed out the details of the 1 trillion yen aid package he promised the Philippines back in January.

With the two countries deepening their cooperation on economic and security matters, Mr. Duterte said they were resolved to further expand their cooperative ties.

“I daresay that considering all that we have accomplished and achieved, the Philippines and Japan are building the golden age of our strategic partnership,” Mr. Duterte said as he issued a joint statement with Abe.

“It’s a commitment founded on the democratic values we hold dear. It’s a resolve that has withstood the test of time. Working together, we should have much to show and to be proud of in the years to come,” he added.

He thanked Abe for fleshing out the $9 billion he had pledged for the Philippines, which would go to “some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking projects” including the Metro Manila subway system and the improvement of roads and disaster response.

Mr. Duterte visited Abe’s official residence on Monday afternoon, where he was given arrival honors. The two leaders held a summit meeting followed by a tete a tete.

Abe congratulated Mr. Duterte for the leadership he exerted in addressing the Marawi conflict and declared full support for the Philippine President’s approaches toward fighting terrorism and bringing stability to Mindanao.

“We will provide maximum support to the restoration and reconstruction of Marawi City, and we will strengthen support for Mindanao, and toward the establishment of an autonomous government, we will respond to the progress of processes,” he said.

Japan will provide equipment for the devastated city’s and surrounding areas’ reconstruction and rehabilitation.

It would consider providing further assistance, including those for road construction and improvement, based on post-conflict needs assessment and the government’s masterplan for reconstruction. It would also consult with the government on building a society resilient to radicalism.

Given Abe’s support for Philippine efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism in Marawi and his understanding of the cancellation of his Japan trip in June, Mr. Duterte said it was fitting that his first official visit after Marawi’s liberation is to Japan.

The Philippine President described Japan as “a true friend who has stood squarely behind the Philippines in my country’s onward advance greater peace, progress and prosperity.”

His and Abe’s discussions were “very warm, open and comprehensive,” he said.

The two leaders agreed to increase economic activities, and Mr. Duterte welcomed Japan’s growing number of investments in the Philippines, adding that the country was ready to work with responsible companies which we consider our new partners for growth.

He also said he was looking forward to meeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko and thanked them for their kindness and compassion when they visited the Philippines last year during the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations.

“I am eager to convey my deep respect and admiration His Majesty,” he said.

He is scheduled to visit the Imperial Palace today (Tuesday).

Mr. Duterte is the first head of state to visit Abe after his victory in the recent snap elections.

The two have attested to their close friendship. Abe, during his visit to the Philippines last January, flew to Mr. Duterte’s Davao hometown and even visited his home there.

Abe, during his Manila visit, had also described the relationship between the Philippines and Japan as “deep, warm and brotherly or family-like relationship.”

Inquirer calls for support for the victims in Marawi City

Responding to appeals for help, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is extending its relief to victims of the attacks in Marawi City

Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation, Inc., Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

For donation from overseas:

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Greggy Araneta to create Caloocan’s first CBD

By Iris Gonzales

Businessman Gregorio Ma. “Greggy” Araneta III is building the first central business district in Caloocan, hoping to hitch a ride on the expected boom in the area once San Miguel Corp.’s Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 7 (MRT-7) starts running.

In a recent interview, Araneta unveiled his plan to build a 140-hectare mixed use estate, which he said, would be the first in the city.

“That will be my central business district. There’s no central business district there. The only area beside that is La Mesa Dam watershed,” said Araneta, chairman of Araneta Properties and Gregorio Araneta Inc. (GAI).

Araneta said the planned development in Caloocan, which is along Quirino Highway, would be “the best township” he would build.

But, he said, his company would still have to wait for MRT-7 to be in place.

“We have to get the MRT their first. That should be the finished in two to three years,” Araneta told reporters.

“Because of the MRT, it will be a very good site for a commercial business district,” he said.

SMC, the diversified conglomerate, has already commenced construction of MRT-7, which will be 22.8 kilometers long serviced by14 stations.

The line will run in a northeast direction, starting from North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It will span Quezon City and Caloocan in Metro Manila and will end at the proposed inter-modal terminal station in Bulacan.

As of September, the project is almost 10 percent complete.

SMC expects to complete the project by 2019.

Unlike Araneta’s other property developments in Bulacan, which he developed with other property developers such as Sta. Lucia and Ayala Land Inc., he may develop the CBD alone.

But he said he is not closing his doors on partners.

“It depends on the opportunities,” he said.

Eventually, Araneta’s Araneta Properties may do a follow-on offering to raise funds to finance the development of CBD and other projects in the area.

But Araneta stressed that nothing is final yet. He said all options would be studied.

The company posted a net income of P17.390 million in 2016 from P35.9 million a year ago as the company withheld the sale of some of its properties to wait for land value to go up.

Araneta is also chairman of PhilWeb, the listed gaming company.

His holding company, GAI, meanwhile, is pushing for the development of an LNG facility in Bataan with an initial phase that would have a capacity of 600 megawatts and an investment of roughly $1.2 billion.

He also has other investments in energy.

Nuclear peril on agenda of Duterte-Abe talks

TOKYO — President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe open talks in Tokyo on Monday on key regional concerns, including the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

This is the third meeting between the two leaders, after Mr. Duterte’s state visit to Tokyo last year and Abe’s reciprocal visit to Manila in January.

Chief Japanese Cabinet Secretary Yoshide Suga has said the meeting between Mr. Duterte and Abe ahead of two regional summits next month provides great opportunity to discuss pressing issues such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takihiro Kano earlier said Mr. Duterte’s visit would enhance cooperation between Japan and the Philippines for peace and stability in the region.

The Philippine leader arrived in Tokyo early Monday for a two-day visit.

He will have discussions with Abe in the prime minister’s office on Monday, after which they will issue a joint statement.

On Monday evening, Abe will host a dinner for Mr. Duterte.

North Korea, trade issues

In a predeparture speech at Davao International Airport on Sunday night, Mr. Duterte said he expected to discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and trade issues with Abe.

He said he looked forward to meeting Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. He said he was unable to meet the emperor during his visit to Japan last year because Akihito’s uncle died.

Mr. Duterte said he also expected to meet Japan’s business leaders in Tokyo.

“They have shown significant interest in our efforts to sustain our growth, and I will work toward securing the Japanese business community as a key partner in our country’s development agenda,” he said.

Mr. Duterte said he would discuss with Abe “ways to significantly advance our already strong and strategic bilateral relations, especially on matters involving socioeconomic development, peace and progress in Mindanao, and the build-up of modern infrastructure in the country.”

On the North Korean problem, Mr. Duterte said “somebody has to talk” to the North’s leader Kim Jong-un.

“Somebody has to go there. It would be good for America, Japan, (South) Korea and Mr. Kim Jong-un to talk and convince him to sit down in a round table [and say] nobody is threatening him. There will be no war,” he said.

Mr. Duterte and Abe are also expected to tackle issues concerning the South China Sea along with the Philippine’s chairmanship of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit.

Abe is expected to attend the summit in Manila.

Economic cooperation

Economic cooperation is expected to be part of Mr. Duterte’s discussions with Abe. Japan earlier pledged 1 trillion yen in assistance for the Philippines over five years.

The Manila subway project and the north-south commuter lines, which would be funded by Japan, “would be further discussed for realization,” Kano said.

Japan may also provide more aid for the rehabilitation of Marawi City, which was destroyed in five months of fighting between government forces and pro-Islamic State terrorists. With reports from Philip C. Tubeza, AP, and New York Times News Service

Read more: https://globalnation.inquirer.net/161268/nuclear-peril-agenda-duterte-abe-talks#ixzz4wzsLCW5N
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Same old story

One reason why I no longer want to attend public discussions of this administration’s transport infrastructure program is that I get terribly bored. I hear the same old stories of grand plans. I am aware of hindrances to the projects like right of way issues that I know are not being addressed. Most presentations do not include or breeze through expected dates of completion.

The aviation industry conference last Friday organized by IATA and the local association of airlines turned out to be no different. I attended principally because my colleague and friend, Sara Soliven de Guzman asked me to join her.

I arrived late because traffic was moving ever so slowly on EDSA last Friday morning. I missed the speech of Sec. Art Tugade, but I watched a recording of Tugade’s speech that was posted on Facebook. I agree with the plans he enumerated but he said nothing I didn’t already know.

–– ADVERTISEMENT ––



I sat quietly at the back of the conference venue listening to Usec for Aviation Skee Tamayo and NAIA GM Ed Monreal deliver their spiels. Nothing new there too.
X


An official of Philippine Airlines talked about their proposal to decongest NAIA T2 by building additional terminal space. I was the first to break that news early this year. No new development there also.

Question and answer portion came around. There were polite questions being asked, which is expected. The airline officials in the audience could not ask the hard questions because the panelists are their regulators. I was getting nothing new from the give and take.

Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1


I was getting bored. I didn’t suffer mid morning EDSA Friday traffic for nothing.  Against my original plan to just sit down and listen, I decided to ask a question.

I pointed out that the problem with DOTr presentations is that it’s all motherhood. We can’t argue against having all those plans happen. The big question is when would DOTr deliver on their grand plans.

I think it was Monreal who said they have a list of plans and target completion dates because Tugade insists on having those. So I said those completion dates should be made public, otherwise they can just keep on pushing back those dates.

Monreal said they have printed materials on the programs with target dates. The moderator, a foreigner, asked for a show of hands as to who in the audience has seen that document of projects with completion dates. Not one hand was raised from a roomful of people whose business is to know such details of government intentions.

Maybe that’s because they have amateurs running DOTr’s communications program. I remember some powerpoint presentations with very rough dates included, but not enough for an investor to make a decision to invest money.

I raised other problems. What will DOTr do between now and the time San Miguel’s Bulacan airport starts operations? NAIA is hopelessly congested and inadequate. It is now handling over 40 million passengers a year when its rated capacity is 30 million. A new airport of the caliber Ramon Ang wants to build at no cost or guarantee from government will take 10 years to build.

I know RSA said he could make his Bulacan airport operational in five years from the day he gets a go signal from government, assuming all government approvals are expedited. I think our neighbors took at least eight years to build their modern airports. Ten years is a reasonable time for a major international airport to get built.

Of course, the DOTr officials in the panel had no answers. They can’t even commit on the interim proposal of Philippine Airlines. That’s understandable. President Duterte hates Lucio Tan, and as long as Tan owns PAL, government can’t be expected to deal with him or the airline.

But the additional terminal capacity is urgently needed. Even if we break ground today, it will take three years to complete the facilities PAL wants to build. The legal issues being cited with Pagcor and Philippine Village Hotel are non issues because a simple one page executive order from President Duterte will fix all that, if he wants to.

They talked about Clark and how Clark would relieve pressure from NAIA. Usec. Skee even mentioned the NLEX-SLEX connector road cutting travel time significantly between Clark and NAIA.

So I pointed out that right of way issues are delaying the completion of that vital connector road project. RSA has personally negotiated a ROW problem with Sincere Lumber in Paco and that’s the only progress so far.

DPWH has not delivered on everything else. It took the TRB quite a bit of time to approve the diversion of the alignment to go over the San Juan River to avoid the ROW problems affecting the motel row in Sta. Mesa.

I understand San Miguel is targeting completion of the NLEX-SLEX connector road by end-2019. But the ramps will be completed only in 2020, assuming ROW and utilities relocation issues are immediately addressed. The same issues delayed the NAIA Expressway’s early completion.

It is clear that if government really wants to deliver its grand infrastructure plans, they have to tie up all loose ends. Duterte must appoint a very senior official with clout, like the role played by Rene Diaz under former PGMA, to focus on ROW issues. Otherwise, puro laway lang. Pinapa-asa lang tayo pero wala.

In the end, our skepticism is justified.  The DOTr officials always ask for our understanding and support. I am sure they have that because no one in his right mind will want them to fail. But… show us some movement!

Tourism ad

From Barcelona… I received this e-mail from a well-travelled Filipino former investment banker who has also invested his own money in our tourism industry.

He is dismayed at the quality of the tourism department’s advertorial published in the New York Times. It is the print version of the horrible TV commercial “anak.” I agree with him. Here is his e-mail:

 Dear Boo,

1. The readership of the print edition of the international New York Times is almost 100 percent affluent businessmen. Not a single part of the advertisement is of any interest to them. This is simply the wrong medium for a tourism pitch.

2. The point of a slogan is to fix a simple, single thought, expressed succinctly in as few words as possible. The advertisement had three different slogans.

3. The picture is of a place that almost no past, present, or future tourist will ever get to.

4. The picture reinforces a racial stereotype of Filipinos fawning over whites. It is personally distasteful to me, and probably off-putting to all the Asians - families, groups of singles, incentive groups – who constitute a much larger potential market than young white backpackers.

5. The advertisement picture and text violate the first principle of advertising, which is to identify a specific target audience and then talk to that audience. The ad could be likened to a BMW ad that targets rich people, women, old people, sporty drivers, teens, mothers, companies, and ecology-conscious people all in one go. It winds up being utterly unconvincing.

6. The ad was written by someone whose command of English idiom frequently wavers. For example: “Relax, rejuvenate and be prepared for a dose of adrenaline rush in Cebu”;

“For honeymooners, experience a unique island dining by the beach. . .”;

“Today, Kalesa is still visible. . . for tourists’ cultural experience “; “. . . Spanish occupation.”

Hardly a paragraph goes by without some new grammatical or usage error. This would not matter much if the words were spoken on a TV show, but the typical highly-literate New York Times reader will just cringe at seeing the phrases in print, in a newspaper noted for its English-language style.

7. Not that an advertorial is a good way to promote a country’s tourism, but if you are going to have an advertorial, it must have exactly the same font, format, and look as the rest of the publication. If it is immediately evident that it is a paid advertisement, it loses all the benefit of being an advertorial.

8. Who is Jack Ellis? Who cares?

Thanks for listening.

Regards, Manny

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco.

Teltronic on track to provide TETRA end-to-end solution for Manila Metro Line “MRT-7”

The contract – awarded to Teltronic by rolling stock manufacturer and E&M turn-key provider Hyundai Rotem – will see the provision of NEBULA TETRA infrastructure, RTP-603 on-board equipment, STP9000 hand-portable and SRG3900 fixed radios, and a CeCo-TRANS control centre.

The onboard equipment will be fully integrated with both the Train Control and Management System – allowing remote vehicle monitoring from the control centre – and the public address and intercom systems, providing communication between passengers and control in emergency situations.

MRT-7 is set to serve around 350,000 passengers a day when operations begin in August 2019, potentially increasing to 800,000 per day upon completion of a series of planned upgrades. The 22.8km 14-station line will run northeast from an interchange with LRT-1 and MRT-3 at North Avenue, serving Quezon City, Caloocan City, and City of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan province.

Josep Jonch, Business Development Manager – APAC, commented:

“This prestigious win builds on our strong working relationship with Hyundai Rotem, proven over previous projects such as Seoul Metro (Korea) and Salvador Bahia Metro (Brazil).

By leveraging the power of TETRA technology, this end-to-end solution will enable SMC to communicate in a mission-critical way with the personnel involved with the operation of the MRT-7. It will also allow real-time monitoring of vehicle and the location of the train among other functionalities, making a vital contribution to the safe transportation of thousands of passengers each day.”

Build build build: From 385 km to 1040 km of high standard highways in Luzon

By Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo

In the next six years, the Duterte Administration, will build the Luzon Spine Expressway Network — a 1,040 km expressway network which would connect the northern and southern most part of Luzon. By building a total of 18 expressways with a total road length of 655 km, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar aims to compliment the existing expressway network spanning 385 km. Once completed, the travel time from Metro Manila to San Fernando, La Union will be reduced from six (6) hours and 55 minutes to three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Moreover, travel time from La Union to Bicol will be reduced from 19 hours and 40 minutes to eight (8) hours and 15 minutes.

Included in the expressway network are the NLEX Harbor Link Project, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Central Luzon Link Expressway, Plaridel By-Pass Road Phase II, Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, among others.

The NLEX Harbor Link Project, a 5.7 km expressway, which traverses Karuhatan in Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and C3 road in Caloocan City, will reduce travel time from Manila Port to NLEX to only 10 minutes.

The Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) is a 30-km expressway, which traverses the municipalities of La Paz, Zaragosa, Aliaga, and Caalibangbangan, to connect two large cities of Tarlac and Cabanatuan. The CLLEX, which originates from the connection of SCTEx and of TPLEx in Balincanaway, Tarlac City, is expected to decongest traffic in Pan Philippine Highway by 48% and reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 mins to 20 minutes.

Section 3 of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway is a 25.83 km expressway which extends the existing 63.02 km alignment traversing Tarlac, Rosales and Urdaneta to Binalonan, Pozzurobio and La Union — creating an 88.85 kilometer stretch. The Urdaneta-Binalonan segment which was operational since September of last year has reduced travel time from Tarlac City to Urdaneta from 2 hours and 30 minutes to about 40 minutes. Upon completion, TPLEX is expected to benefit over 100,000 vehicles per day and will cut travel time to Gerona, Paniqui, Rosales, Urdaneta, and Rosario.

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, an 8 km four lane expressway, which will traverse C3 road in Caloocan City passing through Blumentritt and España, is expected to decongest Metro Manila traffic and provide better access to seaports and airports. It will reduce travel time from NLEX to SLEX from 2 hours to only about 20 minutes. Moreover, it will also cut travel from Clark to Calamba from 3 hours to only about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, a 14.8 km, 6-lane expressway which will connect Balintawak in Quezon City to Buendia Makati, is expected to decongest EDSA, Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue and Quirino Avenue by as much as 55,000 vehicles daily. Upon completion, it will reduce travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from 2 hours to 15 to 20 minutes.

DPWH is now updating the High Standard Highway Network Development Masterplan which would expand the coverage from the sphere of 200 km to 300 km radius around Metro Manila.

[About the author: Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo is the Chairperson of the DPWH Build Build Build Committee. She graduated cum laude at the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree of Development Communications and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor program at the University of the Philippines Diliman and her Executive Program at the Harvard Kennedy School]

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/27/build-build-build-from-385-km-to-1040-km-of-high-standard-highways-in-luzon/