MPTC, San Miguel ink deal to build P72-B Cavite-Batangas, Nasugbu-Bauan expressways

Tollways giants Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) have formalized their joint undertaking to build the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEX) and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX).

MPTC and SMC signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on August 14, Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) said in a statement on Tuesday.

MPIC is the parent firm of MPTC.

The accord was signed by MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan and SMC chief executive officer Ramon Ang.

Under the MOA, MPTC and SMC will jointly design, build, and operate the combined 87.96-kilometer stretch of the CBEX and NBEX. The two tollways have a combined cost of P72 billion.

The entire project would connect MPTC's Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) to Bauan, Batangas to make travel easier and more convenient for motorists.

“Our shared commitment to nation-building has led us to this historic collaboration. Together, we aim to deliver world-class road networks that will serve as arteries of progress, growth and development for our country and the Filipino people. This collaboration stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united in purpose,” said Ang.

"Together with SMC, we envisage a future where our CBEX and NBEX can help pave the way for connectivity and economic growth in the CALABARZON region. We look forward to leveraging on our respective strengths for the realization of this vital infrastructure project,” Pangilinan, for his part, said.

In particular, the entire joint undertaking of the two expressways are comprised of 27.06-kilometer CBEX that will connecting CALAX’s Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Nasugbu, Batangas, and the 60.90-kilometer NBEX that will provide seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan, Batangas.

The two companies have set the groundbreaking in 2024.

The CBEX and NBEX are expected to be completed and open to the public in 2027.

The route will traverse the townships of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso in Cavite before crossing into Nasugbu and finally reaching Bauan, Batangas.

The implementation of the transaction is subject to completion of certain conditions, including the execution procurement relevant approvals and execution of definitive agreements.

In 2018, MPIC said MPTC presented a proposal for the 50.4-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) project to the Department of Public Works and Highways and was granted the original proponent status.

Likewise, SMC's unsolicited proposal for the CBEX and NBEX was approved by the Cavite and Batangas governments.

Since both projects share the common goal of connecting the provinces of Cavite and Batangas through Tagaytay City, MPIC said MPTC and SMC “have come together as partners in this significant venture.”

MPTC holds the concession for CALAX as well as the Manila- Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), C5 Link Segment, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the NLEX Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

SMC, meanwhile, holds the concession for the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), Star Tollway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX). —KBK, GMA Integrated News