THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is now hastening the approval of the amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as it questions three agencies why they have not signed the amendments.

Neda Acting Director General Augusto Santos said he has already written to Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno on the matter.

“We have written them a letter calling their attention since they have not yet signed the amendments. We are exhorting them to sign the amendments to the BOT-IRR,” Santos said.

Santos said that while the DILG has already sent their comments on the BOT-IRR that focused on the timetable and other similar details regarding the amendments, the Department of Finance and the DENR have yet to send their comments on the amendments.

The three agencies, who are part of the 10-agency BOT-IRR Committee, are the only agencies that have not signed the amendments of the BOT-IRR. Among those who have already signed the amendments are the Neda, the Departments of Public Works and Highways, Transportation and Communications, and the Department of Energy.

When approved, the BOT-IRR amendments will give local government units (LGUs) the right to propose and evaluate BOT projects. They will also be given the authority to decide on the rules for bidding, approval of project documents and other contracts, as well as variations in the contract.

The proposed amendments to the BOT-IRR state that the Neda-ICC will approve the endorsed list of projects of the line agencies and LGUs. These projects will have a two-year validity period.

In an earlier statement, the Neda said the revisions aim to simplify the process for the private sector to participate, but at the same time ensuring the project’s integrity—economic attractiveness, economic viability and desirability, cost effectiveness and make sure that it is in the best interest of the country.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—With electronics firms reclaiming lost ground in production last year, Subic exports surged to a three-year high of $971.7 million in 2007, according to figures from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) is now hastening the approval of the amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as it questions three agencies why they have not signed the amendments.

LOCAL cement makers posted a 7-percent increase in domestic sales in 2007 to 12.36 million metric tons (MMT) from 11.48 MMT in 2006.

OPPONENTS of the controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) have vowed to launch an East Asia-wide campaign against Japan’s partnership agreements with other countries in the East Asia region.

INSTEAD of encouraging local and foreign investors to infuse much-needed capital to boost the country’s biofuels program, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri told the BusinessMirror Thursday that some of the investors he has spoken with have expressed concern over the statements made regarding a review of the Biofuels Act of 2006.

BILLIONS of pesos in potential investments, trade and losses in the tourism industry is what is facing the Philippine economy with the downgrading of the country’s aviation safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the travel advisory issued by the US Embassy.

CLARK—A series of chartered flights by China Southern Airlines will fly in thousands of tourists from mainland China in the next six months to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Freeport Zone.