MANILA, Philippines - PPP Center Deputy Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao told a press conference on April 14 that "We are on track with the 10 projects for the year, and it could be more."

Feasibility studies have been completed and the new deals have been found to be "bankable, attractive to investors and beneficial to the public," Ms. Canilao later told BusinessWorld.

"The new deals have been included in the priority list of the government, and they are ready to be offered to the market."

The government has begun the process for bidding out PPP projects, last month asking investors to express their interest in operation and maintenance contracts for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) that will cost P7.7 billion and P6.3 billion, respectively. The invitation closes this Friday, April 15.

Investor fatigue

Ms. Canilao said investor fatigue was not a concern, claiming that there are enough local and foreign parties interested in PPP projects, five of which are expected to be sold in the first half.

Aside from the LRT-1/MRT-3 contracts, the government is also looking to start auctioning off the Daang Hari-South Luzon Expressway link, which has a P1.6-billion price tag, this month. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport expressway, priced at P10.59 billion, and the North Luzon and South Luzon expressway link (P21 billion), are set for bidding in May.

Expected to be offered in the second semester are the expansion of the LRT-2 and MRT-3 lines, an airport in Misamis Oriental, and construction of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway link.

These could still change, Ms. Canilao said, adding that a final list will be unveiled next month.

The PPP Center is also studying other deals for next year, among them the modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center.