SC favors PNCC on Skyway case

The Supreme Court ( SC) has affirmed the constitutionality of a government decision in 2007 to allow a private company to operate and maintain Stage 1 of the South Metro Manila Skyway as it ruled that the franchise remains with the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC).

In a decision written by Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno, the SC said the government, through the PNCC, can tap private investors in the exercise of its franchise over the construction, operation, and maintenance of the North Luzon, South Luzon and Metro Manila Expressways and their toll facilities.

With the ruling, the SC allowed the grant to Skyway O & M Corporation (SOMCO) the operation and maintenance of Stage 1 of the South Metro Manila Skyway.

It dismissed the petition filed by the petition filed by Ana Theresia Hontiveros Baraquel who sought the annulment of the Amendment to the Supplemental Toll Operation Agreement ( ASTOA) between the Philippines, the Philippine National Construction Corporation ( PNCC), and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CITRA) and its approval by the Secretary of Transportation and Communications.