Following the progression of the proposed Smart Mobility Project (SMP) and the granting of original proponent status (OPS) to Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), Baguio local stakeholders have taken it upon themselves to write Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and request for more transparency and public involvement in the project.
The letter also covers certain requests regarding the other big-ticket public-private partnership (PPP) project under the Magalong administration, the redevelopment of the city’s public market, currently in the hands of SM Prime Holdings.
The letter, dated July 8, requests first and foremost a proper public consultation on the SMP, looking to clarify what roads would be affected by the proposed congestion charge, the details of the profit-sharing schemes between the city and the MPTC, as well as the commitments of SM in the market redevelopment project.
“As per the new PPP code requirement, we eagerly await a genuine and credible public (sic) consultation on the proposals, without leaving any hanging questions unanswered. We urge that an advanced public announcement be made via social media regarding the date and time of this consultation,” the letter reads.
The letter also seeks clarification on the capacity of MPTC to properly manage Baguio’s traffic situation, citing that the SMP is the first project of its scale and type to be undertaken by the company.
It also seeks to clarify the jurisdiction and authority of MPTC with regards to managing and supervising the city’s jeeps, which is typically under the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and whether said authority can be transferred to a private entity. Additionally, the letter also seeks to clarify whether the city can legally assign the authority to collect fees to MPTC.
Finally, it also seeks a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) and clarification of OPS status on the public market’s redevelopment project.
“Our intention is not to hinder future development but to ensure that any decisions made are well-informed and in the best interest of the community,” the letter reads.
According to a source, the SMP has already passed initial City Development Council (CDC) approval and is now pending the approval of the City Council, after which it would already be a shoo-in for immediate implementation.
With the continued seeming progress of the SMP, the Baguio residents’ letter has been sent to the mayor’s office with copies sent to national offices as well in a bid to involve the public in the procedure before it can be implemented.
