SMC interested in MRT-3 rehab

MANILA, Philippines -  San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the diversified conglomerate, is interested in the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT) and is open to working with other conglo-merates for the project. 

SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang  said the conglomerate has expressed its interest to rehabilitate the train system which currently covers North Ave. station in Quezon City until Taft station in Pasay City.

“If government will allow us, we can submit unsolicited proposal,” he told reporters. 

He said should government decide to hold a bidding for the rehabilitation of the train system, SMC would also be willing to participate. 

SMC is likewise open to partnering with other conglomerates for the rehabilitation of the MRT-3. 

“We can work with anybody,” he said, citing good relations with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the Ayala Group, as well as SM Group. 

MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan has also said the company may revive its  proposal to rehabilitate the MRT-3. 

He said MPIC intends to submit the updated proposal to the government within the year. 

MPIC first submitted in 2011 its proposal to the Department of Transportation and Communications for the rehabilitation of the MRT-3 which involved making an investment worth more than $500 million.

The proposal was thumbed down as it would involve raising fares.