HO CHI MINH, Vietnam – The Vietnamese affiliate of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) is implementing a $1.5-billion project covering three districts south of Vietnam, its biggest undertaking this year. Officials of CII Bridges and Roads Investment JSC (CII B&R) said the company is poised to be handpicked by the Vietnamese government as the investor for the Ho Chi Minh …
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The metro’s major railways are giving 50% discount to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced as he launched the discount program at the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis Station. “Ang makikinabang dito sa programang ito ay siguro mga 13 milyong senior citizen at saka 7 milyon na PWD,” Marcos told the crowd. The 50% discount is available …
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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said government has eliminated an 11-year backlog in motorcycle plate production, in compliance to a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the process. DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said 5.4 million motorcycle plates were produced this year, effectively clearing the backlog that had accumulated since 2014. These plates are now being distributed to Land …
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The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is pushing for the passage of two bills aimed at modernizing the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) sector and improving the country’s ship registry, in line with global green and technological shifts. Pending at the 20th Congress are the SBSR Development Bill and the Philippine Ship Registry Bill which will close regulatory and financing gaps …
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The ₱6-million penalty imposed by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) against AirAsia MOVE, the online booking arm of Malaysia-based Capital A Berhad, for its alleged overpriced fares is “unfair,” according to the conglomerate’s chief executive Tony Fernandes. Fernandes said in a press conference the company has yet to pay the penalty to government. “I was taken a little bit aback …
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The Philippines wants to double the number of airline seats on Philippine-Australia routes, ahead of a new round of air talks. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is meeting with its Australian counterpart to discuss a proposal to expand the number of seats between the Philippines and Australia. CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the Philippines initiated the air talks, as …
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More local seaports are lined up for upgrade or improvement under the public-private partnerships (PPPs) scheme, with 12 set to be turned over this year, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The PPA is preparing to complete the PPP of 12 ports in Luzon and Mindanao as part of efforts to tap private resources for infrastructure management. PPA expects …
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Capital A Berhad plans to expand the fleet of AirAsia Philippines by acquiring 10 to 20 more aircraft over the next five years, according to Capital A’s chief executive officer Tony Fernandes. Fernandes earlier floated the possibility of acquiring another 150 aircraft to strengthen its group-wide network and cater to the expected rise in air travel demand. Chester Voo, deputy …
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Philippine Airlines will increase its nonstop flights between Manila and Seattle from three to five times weekly starting November 25. This is part of PAL’s strategy to tap into growing travel demand between the US West Coast and Asia, and strengthen its presence in a key international market. “Our decision to increase frequencies to Seattle highlights the importance of the …
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Iloilo is among the most affordable destinations in Asia this summer season, according to online booking platform Agoda. Analyzing average room rates between March and May, Agoda found the Visayan City to offer the Philippines’ most budget-friendly deals. Iloilo is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary offerings. Agoda also named Tirupati (India), Hat Yai (Thailand), …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business