SMC and MPTC ink deal to jointly construct, operate Cavite-Batangas and Nasugbu-Bauan expressways

Ramon S. Ang and Manny V. Pangilinan formalize the deal for the companies to work on the two projects together. PHOTO FROM METRO PACIFIC TOLLWAYS CORPORATION

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and San Miguel Corporation have just signed a memorandum of agreement to jointly design, construct, and operate two new expressways in the Calabarzon region—the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEX) and the Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX).

CBEX will span 27.06km long, starting from CALAX’s Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange. It will cross through the towns of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso in Cavite, before terminating in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Then, the NBEX will be an even longer 60.90km expressway. It will link together such towns as Barangay Kaylaway, Barangay Banilad, Balayan, Lemery, and finally, Bauan. These two will total 87.96km in length and cost a staggering P72 billion. The ground-breaking will happen next year, with the expressway expected to be open to the public in 2027.

Having these two titans work together on the two expressways rather than compete with each other is always a good thing, especially when the interest is in helping the public.