Binay pledges better PPP, bares mining policy

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay yesterday promised a better approach for the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) if and when he becomes the country’s chief executive.

“Public-Private Partnership under my administration won’t be a victim of ‘paralysis by analysis’,” the 2016 presidential aspirant told businessmen Wednesday at the Mining Philippines 2015 International Conference and Exhibition at Solaire Resort & Casino Manila, Pasay City.

Keynote speaker Binay’s statement highlighted his common criticism against President Aquino, particularly his being “hesitant” on important issues.

Binay, chairman of opposition force United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), noted that this is reflected by the current government’s PPP output. As such, he vowed to be quicker in the implementation of PPP projects.

“Only one PPP project was finished in July, 2015, resulting in severe underspending in infrastructure,” Binay said in his speech. “Would you believe that?” he asked the delegates.

“My presidency will continue to implement PPP. This is continuation of partnerships we started in the University of Makati (UMak),” the opposition leader said.

Binay was referring to the joint venture entered by the city government of Makati with the Systems Technology Institute (STI) to set up the Institute of Nursing in UMak 12 years ago. The Vice President is a former longtime mayor of the city.

Binay is the UNA party’s standardbearer for the May 9, 2016 polls.

Mining policy Binay also took the opportunity Wednesday to pander to the needs of the mining industry, which he has vowed to resuscitate locally in efforts to create more investments and jobs.

During the conference, Chamber of Mines president Benjamin Philip Romualdez rued the current state of mining in the Philippines, calling the administration’s policies “confusing.”

Binay said that under the current “regime,” mining is simply not a priority of government. Incentives had been removed, he noted.

“We will consult business, including the Chamber of Mines. We shall honor sanctity of contracts,” the 72-year-old official said in another apparent dig at the Aquino government.

The Vice President promised an administration that is supportive to mining for as long as it is done properly. “I am for promoting environmentally, socially responsible mining. A Binay presidency shall support mining done responsibly.”

Binay likewise vowed to impose “fair” taxes on mining that is consistent with international standards.