MPTC advances ₱4.36-B concession fee to DPWH

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), through its wholly-owned subsidiary MPCALA Holdings, Inc. (MPCALA), yesterday advanced its ₱4.368-billion second tranche concession fees for the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX).

MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan personally handed the payment over to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark A. Villar ahead of the July 10 due date.

The payment is the second of six tranches amounting to ₱27.3 billion in total concession fees under the 35-year CALAX concession.

The first tranche of ₱5.460 billion was paid on July 10, 2015.

"It is our privilege to be the government's private sector partner in this project of national significance," according to Pangilinan. "And despite this COVID-19 pandemic, our work continues to serve our communities, and our people."

Last May 1, 2020, the tollways group advanced its tax payments to the BIR valued at ₱1.03 billion also to help the government's fundraising efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

DPWH Sec. Villar welcomed the payment, saying, This will enable the national government to fund development projects, high-priority resource management programs, operations, and concession-support activities.

The 44.6-kilometer, 4-lane CALAX toll road is partially operational. Last November 2019, the first 10 km. portion between Mamplasan, Binan City and Sta. Rosa City was opened to commuters.

Construction is under way in the next 7.2 km. section between Sta. Rosa City and Silang, Cavite.

For his part, MPCALA President Roberto V. Bontia noted, “We are making good construction progress and together with DPWH Secretary Villars team, we are pulling out all the stops to deliver this important expressway.”

We believe the CALAX will enable mobility and become a real commuting option for motorists in this new road corridor.”

Once the CALAX is completed, travel time between Kawit, Cavite to Biñan City, Laguna is expected to be reduced to 45 minutes from the current 90 minutes, and industrial zones, residential areas and tourist destinations around the two provinces will be more accessible.

In addition to the CALAX, the CAVITEX and the Cavitex C-5 Link Expressway, MPTCs portfolio includes the concessions for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the NLEX Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.