For continuation of ‘Build, Build, Build’: Joey Salceda seeks passage of PPP Law

By Billy Begas

House Committee on Ways and Means chairperson and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda sought the passage of the proposed Private Public Partnership (PPP) Law in response to the call to continue the government’s Build Build Build program using private sector funds.

Salceda said his proposal will ensure better transparency in transactions, make the PPP Center more efficient, and intensify the cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The solon said it sets clearer parameters on government undertakings and investment recovery schemes, procedures on project approval and procurement, fiscal rules on contingent liabilities, and other vital concerns.

It also provides that implementing agencies would include development plans, strategies, and investment programs in the identified priority PPP projects.

He said the measure will also ensure that PPPs are aligned with the national and local development objectives of the government.

Under the proposal, a project would be considered as a priority based on the following principles: a) effectiveness in meeting government objectives, b) value for money, c) accountability and transparency, d) consumer rights, e) affordability, f) public access, and g) safety and security.

To enhance fair competition and protect the public interest, Salceda said the PPP bill proposes to improve the framework on unsolicited PPP projects by allowing private sector proposals for projects under the government’s priority list and by providing for a more competitive challenge process.

“To allay Secretary (Carlos) Dominguez’s reservations about PPPs entailing significant contingent liabilities to the government, I also placed a government subsidy cap for all PPP deals, so that costs to the state never balloon unexpectedly. I also added a provision that would ensure that no non-monetary payments are made that are beyond the value of the contingent liability in cash,” Salceda added.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)