ED Council OKs changes to railway, airport projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Marcos, approved changes to the North-South Commuter Railway’s  (NSCR) operations and maintenance and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council approved the changes during its Sept. 16 meeting.

For the NSCR in particular, the ED Council approved changes in the parameters, terms and conditions to encourage firms to submit competitive proposals for the rail project that will link Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon.

Partial operations of the railway are expected to start in December next year.

“The NSCR is an investment in opportunity,” said DEPDev Secretary and ED Council vice-chair Arsenio Balisacan.

“Improved mobility will expand access to jobs, markets, education and services across regions, reflecting our commitment to a more productive, resilient and inclusive economy,” he added.

Also approved was the extension of the concession period for the MCIA for longer investment recovery.

Apart from enabling necessary airport improvements, the extension will reduce the pressure to increase passenger service charges.

Under the contract variation, MCIA concessionaire Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corp. commits to provide nearly P15 billion for capacity augmentation and investments.

During the meeting, the ED Council also approved changes in the scope, cost and implementation timelines of three development projects.

These are the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Supporting Innovation in the Philippine Technical and Vocational Education and Training System Project, the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s  Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project.

In the same meeting, the ED Council directed a further review of proposed guidelines on class suspensions.

Through the review, the aim is to provide clear protocols for schools and local government units during tropical cyclones, earthquakes, storm surges, poor air quality volcanic hazards and extreme heat.

“Refining this policy is a matter of urgency,” Balisacan said.

“We must protect our learners and teachers while ensuring the continuity of education in the face of evolving risks,” he added.

Earlier, he said that class suspensions affect not just learning outcomes but overall economic activity.

abtestabtest Majority rule By Marianne Go | 1 day ago Indulge me a little in arguing my position on the current hot legal topic: the voting of the Senate impeachment court. Business Toyota Philippines sees slowdown in vehicle output this year By Louella Desiderio | 1 day ago Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. expects its local vehicle production to decline this year due to soft demand. Business GCash IPO seen to boost Philippine capital market 15 hours ago The scheduled initial public offering (IPO) of GCash parent Mynt Inc. could give the Philippine capital market a significant... Business Shared values By Ron Jabal | 1 day ago This year’s National PR Congress of the Public Relations Society of the Philippines carries the theme “Steward the story: From clout to legacy.” It is a well-intentioned theme. It is also, I would... Business Cebu City flood review allows Monterrazas development to continue By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 1 day ago A technical panel formed by the Cebu City local government has allowed Mont Property Group to continue works on its 118-hectare... Business Latest More in Business Gov’t urged to stem ICT talent exodus From no plan to IPO-ready: Aznar Shipping prepares to sail rough seas NDC welcomes new general manager Mastercard launches Wallet Pay to expand digital wallet reach abtest PSE approves GCash parent firm’s market debut By Richmond Mercurio | 1 hour ago The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) has given the green light to the initial public offering (IPO) application of Mynt... Business GOCC subsidies slump over 30 percent in July By Aubrey Rose Inosante | 1 hour ago Government subsidies to state-owned corporations fell by 30.5 percent in July, largely reflecting lower support for the National... Business Philippines chicken imports seen rising next year By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 1 hour ago The Philippines is expected to import more chicken meat next year due to higher demand from the manufacturing and food service... Business Maxicare rebrands life insurance unit By Aubrey Rose Inosante | 1 hour ago Maxicare Group has rebranded MaxiLife as Maxicare Insurance as it moves to integrate its insurance business with its broader... Business NGA 911 recognized for bringing emergency response system to Philippines 1 hour ago California-based public safety technology company Next Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911) has been awarded the Community Impact and Service Award by the International Asian American Business Expo (IAABE) in California... Business Recommended Senate warned over revising impeachment vote threshold 1 day ago Senators acting as judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face legal challenge including criminal... BusinessSALVADOR PANELO Palace questions VP Sara’s capability to lead Philippines 1 day ago Malacañang questioned the capability of Vice President Sara Duterte to lead the country after her camp claimed... BusinessSARA DUTERTE Evidence enough to convict VP, says prosecution 1 day ago Documentary and testimonial evidence against impeached Vice President Sara Duterte are enough to convict her regardless of... BusinessSARA DUTERTE Ridon, Tolosa ordered: Explain sub judice breach 1 day ago The Senate impeachment court has ordered Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa... BusinessBENJAMIN TOLOSA JR.SENATETERRY RIDON Majority rule September 18, 2026 - 12:00am Indulge me a little in arguing my position on the current hot legal topic: the voting of the Senate impeachment court. BusinessSENATE next Recommended Senate warned over revising impeachment vote threshold Senators acting as judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face legal challenge including criminal cases if they proceed with changing the two-thirds voting requirement for her conviction, according to former presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo. 1 day ago SALVADOR PANELO Palace questions VP Sara’s capability to lead Philippines Malacañang questioned the capability of Vice President Sara Duterte to lead the country after her camp claimed she is ready to succeed President Marcos. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE Evidence enough to convict VP, says prosecution Documentary and testimonial evidence against impeached Vice President Sara Duterte are enough to convict her regardless of whether the conviction threshold is maintained or not, according to the prosecution team of the House of Representatives. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE Ridon, Tolosa ordered: Explain sub judice breach The Senate impeachment court has ordered Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. to explain their perceived violations of the court’s sub judice rule. 1 day ago BENJAMIN TOLOSA JR. SENATE TERRY RIDON Majority rule Indulge me a little in arguing my position on the current hot legal topic: the voting of the Senate impeachment court. 1 day ago SENATE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!