Capitol’s PPP ordinance okayed

CEBU, Philippines — A proposed ordinance amending the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) guidelines of the Cebu Provincial Government has been approved by the Provincial Board on its third and final reading yesterday.

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.

Meanwhile, the amendment of item 3 in Section 25 of the draft ordinance was also approved by the Provincial Board. This is to include the chairman of the Committee on Municipal and Public Properties in the composition of the Cebu Province PPP Unit or Economic Enterprise Council.

Last July 1, Soco shared during the regular session that Cebu Province is in talks for PPP projects including the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on a solar power plant 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.

Soco, chairman of the committee on budget and appropriations, said that the New PPP code of the province shall provide a framework that will serve as a mechanism for delivering public assets and services.

The province shall determine whether a project proposal constitutes a PPP contract providing “public asset or service” following two criteria; the delivery of the public asset or service is within the mandate of the province and the delivery of the asset and/or service for the public. — (FREEMAN)