MPTC addresses PEATC petition vs CAVITEX

Earlier this month, the Public Estates Authority Tollway Corporation (PEATC) has asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to issue a Writ of Mandamus to compel the Cavite Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) – the toll operator of CAVITEX – to handover the operations of the expressway to the government.

According to PEATC, the CIC’s authority to operate and maintain the toll road had already expired in 2021.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), says that the person who filed the petition lacks authority or is not an authorized representative of PEATC.

According to MPTC, the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) is CIC’s joint-venture partner for CAVITEX, and with the project being a joint venture with the PRA, any legal dispute involving CIC should have rightfully included Philippine Reclamation Authority as an indispensable party.

The petition against CIC was filed by Mr. Dioscoro Esteban Jr., Officer-in-Charge of PEATC, who lacks authority of the PRA or of the PEATC Board to file such petition. This misrepresentation is further evidenced by the absence of the imprimatur of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) which is the rightful counsel of a GOCC such as the PEATC.

PEATC is a government agency under the PRA.

MPTC adds that it has consistently demonstrated professionalism and courtesy by extending invitations for constructive dialogue and firmly believes that open communication and collaborative problem-solving are the most effective means of resolving disputes. Regrettably, these invitations were disregarded, according to MPTC.

Cheaper toll but…

In an earlier interview, PEATC spokesperson, Atty. Ariel Inton, said that if a government takeover would happen on CAVITEX, motorists may enjoy up to 50% reduction in toll fees.

“Imagine, if a 60%-40% profit sharing would happen in favor of the government, the toll fee that motorists pay would decrease. The government would enjoy a higher income and motorists using the expressway will definitely benefit,” said Atty. Inton.

Unfortunately, the Philippine Government has a poor track record when it comes to services, and a government takeover might do more harm than good to the public.