Cavite gov’t OKays proposal for expressway to Batangas
The provincial government of Cavite has accepted the unsolicited proposal of San Miguel Holdings Corp. to build, operate and maintain a toll road meant to speed up travel between Cavite and Batangas.
The company was also granted the original proponent status (OPS) for the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEx) project on June 30, according to the local government unit’s recent media release.
The project covers the financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of the 27.06-kilometer toll road. This will traverse the municipalities of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez and Alfonso in Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas.
The Cavite government said the private-public partnership (PPP) selection committee would now proceed with the mandatory competitive selection process.
A competitive challenge is being conducted to invite other proposals that can have better terms than the OPS’ offer. The OPS is then allowed to match counter offers during the process; if no better offer was filed, the OPS will secure the contract.
Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon said the CBEx project would have positive economic impact for Batangas and Cavite in terms of tourism and commerce.
“Certainly, a new toll road in the area will shorten travel time both for people and goods,” he said.
“The entire stretch of the project covers tourist and high-value agricultural areas, which will potentially broaden markets for tourism and commerce,” the infrastructure advocate added.
