Capitol’s PPP ordinance passed on 2nd reading

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board has approved on second reading a proposed ordinance amending the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines of the Cebu Provincial Government.

Otherwise known as “the Province of Cebu integrated PPP code, in alignment with the new PPP code of the Philippines,” the proposed measure of Provincial Board Member Glenn Anthony Soco aims to ensure regulatory compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and leverage private sector contributions towards the development of local infrastructure and service projects.

“It is hereby declared as a policy that the Province shall advance the public good and general welfare, and promote the interest of the community and the Province within the framework of sustainable and integrated development, and effective constructive engagement and meaningful people’s participation in local governance,” read a portion of the draft ordinance.

In the regular session yesterday, Soco shared that Cebu Province is in talks for PPP projects including the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Solar Powerplant in Daanbantayan town.

“The new PPP code aims to create an environment for the private sectors to make use of and mobilize resources for designing, financing, constructing and operating infrastructure and development projects and services” said Soco.

He also added that the New PPP code of the province shall provide a framework that will serve as a mechanism for delivering public assets and services where both the province and public. Moreover, Soco also amended item 3 in Section 25 of the draft ordinance to include the Chairman of the Committee on Municipal and Public Properties on the composition of the Cebu Province PPP Unit or Economic Enterprise Council.

“In light of the newly established regulations, it becomes essential for the Province of Cebu to update its existing PPP ordinance, specifically the Cebu Provincial Ordinance No. 2015-04, to align with the guidelines and framework provided by the New PPP Code,” the draft ordinance reads.

On December 5 last year, the national government enacted Republic Act No. 11966, or “An Act Providing for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines” or the “New Code PPP.”

This law recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector in infrastructure and development projects in the country. — (FREEMAN)