SMC wants to rehab MRT3, open to partnerships with other conglomerates
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) wants in once more on rehabilitating the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), and this time they are open to working with other conglomerates.
SMC TO RENOVATE MRT-3? SMC has again expressed its intent to renovate one of three railways that serve Metro Manila./IMAGES Wikipedia and Wikipilipinas
SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said SMC has expressed its intent long ago, and is willing to participate in any kind of project if the government bids it out.
“If government will allow us, we can submit unsolicited proposal,” he told reporters during a chance interview, but added that project studies are expensive.
He also said SMC is willing to work with other conglomerates in the rehabilitation of MRT3, citing good relations with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the Ayala Group, and the SM Group.
“We can work with anybody. We are close with MPIC (Metro Pacific Investments Corp.), we are very close to the Zobels, and we are very close to Mr. [Henry T] Sy of Shoemart. We are very close to everybody and we intend to work with everybody,” Ang added.
SMC is currently in charge of the entire MRT-7 project, which involves the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the railway expected to connect San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan and North Avenue in Quezon City.
MPIC, on the other hand, had previously submitted a $500-million proposal to the then-Department of Transportation and Communications, but was turned down as it would raise the fares of the MRT-3.
Source: The Philippine Star, Business World, Malaya
