Railroad Infrastructures and Transportation - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 18

icarusrising

February 22nd, 2008, 11:22 AM

Northrail Construction Begins Despite Legal Questions

By Lala Rimando
ANC
National (as of 2/20/2008 3:07 PM)

Despite legal impediments, construction of the Northrail's 32.3-kilometer phase 1 is quietly pushing through. In a telephone interview, Northrail Corporation's president Arsenio Bartolome III said design and civil works started in October 2007.

Bartolome also said they have already drawn about $50 million from the $503-million loan with the Chinese Export and Import Bank.

At the site, existing utilities, like water pipes, electrical posts and telephone lines have been diverted. He confirmed that relocation of the residents is "100 percent complete."

When asked why construction has started despite legal hurdles, Bartolome told abs-cbnnews.com/Newbreak, "I don't know of any legal cases." Bartolome assumed office in late 2007, after his predecessor, Jose Cortes Jr., passed away.

The Northrail project refers to the rehabilitation of the old Philippine National Railway's north line: an estimated 80.2-kilometer rail road project from Caloocan City in Metro Manila to Clark in Pampanga.

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/42496/2018386620101994864S600x600Q85.jpg

It seems odd that Bartolome is unaware of the legal cases, since according to Harry Roque, lawyer for the displaced residents, the corporate lawyers of Northrail had just filed a motion for reconsideration early this month.

The trial court previously dismissed Northrail's motion to dismiss the case. However, there is no restraining order to stop the construction.

Roque warns that, "If they [Northrail Corporation] proceed with construction, they become builders in bad faith. They [CNMEC] cannot recover any compensation if later on it is proven that the contract is null and void."

The Chinese-funded portion of Northrail seemed to have been a supply-driven project since the designation of state-owned China National Machinery and Equipment Corporation (CNMEC) was a precondition for the grant of the loan from China's Export and Import Bank.

Complete by 2010?

The Northrail project is part of President Arroyo's flagship Strong Republic Transport System designed to provide a fast and reliable mass transport service for passengers and goods between Metro Manila and the Central and Northern Luzon provinces, spurring growth and development.

With the construction underway, Bartolome said they hope to complete the rail connection to Malolos by 2010. President Arroyo completes her term that year.

Tourism and aviation industry players are particularly keen on the second section of the 80-kilometer railway—from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga—since there are plans to make Clark an alternative hub for international flights. The railway will cut traveling time between Manila and Clark from one hour to just about 30 minutes.

Bartolome said they expect to begin construction of this section by end of 2008, and complete it also by 2010, or at the latest, early 2011.

The second phase of the Northrail project is to connect San Fernando City in La Union to Clark. The entire railway stretch from Caloocan to La Union has been abandoned for more than 30 years.

Executive Agreement with China

Northrail's phase 1 section 1 (see graphics) initially became controversial because of the logistical and sociological nightmare of relocating about 40,000 families that have illegally settled near the rail tracks. There were also questions on the technical details, like the choice of narrow-gauge railway.

Further analysis of the contract details showed that besides the clearing, relocation and resettlement expenses not being included in the project's $503- million cost, how the deal itself was crafted proved to be questionable.

For example, the contract was under an executive agreement between the Philippine government, through the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and the Chinese government.

In addition, there was no "certificate of availability of funds" signed by the Monetary Board and the budget department. This certificate, which should have needed the approval of the legislative bodies, was a requirement to ensure that the Philippine government will be setting aside funds for the annual amortization payments to pay off the loan that financed the projects.

In the case of Northrail, China's Export and Import bank provided the loan signed in 2006.

Northrail's lack of a certificate is one of the bases for a preliminary decision last year by the Makati Regional Trial Court that could lead to the nullification of the contract.

Also, without a certificate that would complete all the requirements for a government-to-government deal, the Northrail's phase 1 section 1 project should have not been exempt from public bidding.

Southrail On Track

Meantime, the southern regions are not to be left behind. A planned 542-kilometer stretch from Calamba to Matnog in Sorsogon is due for rehabilitation and new construction. Called the Southrail project, it will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 would cover the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing 423-kilometer railway line from Calamba to Legazpi City, while Phase 3 would involve the construction of a new 135-kilometer railway from Legazpi to Sorsogon.

Like Northrail, the Southrail project is also a government project, which the Chinese government will be funding. National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and China's Ministry of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding for the Southrail project in July 2007.

Construction for phase 1a, which costs $314-million and covers 74 kilometers Caloocan to Alabang (see graphics), is underway.

Building the rail project in phases is a way to deliberately build up traffic and economic activity, says Ruben Reinoso, deputy director general at Neda
"We have traffic projections for the entire stretch. But we wanted to spur economic activity in the succeeding phases as we start the first one. That way, we let the things build up first so we have higher potential to achieve our projections for traffic, economic activity, and movement of goods and people."

Linking Northrail, which starts in Caloocan, and the Southrail, which commences at Calamba station, is the 70-kilometer Commuter rail (see graphics). Koreans are financing it.

Already heavily traveled, the reconstruction of the existing railway has been a priority. It will service commuters from the Southern outskirts of Metro Manila who prefer to take a one-hour train ride to go home everyday instead of renting a place in the metropolis.

"The train can carry more passengers than a bus. So given that the South Luzon expressway is already congested, there was a need to build a high capacity transport," Reinoso explained.

Neda’s Role

The rail projects gained the spotlight in the past weeks after Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada told the Senate hearing that the Southrail project was overpriced by about $70 million. He explained that there was not much fuss about it before because the overprice is within his and former economic planning secretary Romulo Neri's "permissible zone." The $70 million is equivalent to only about 22 percent of the project cost of phase 1a.

Reinoso told abs-cbnnews.com/Newsbreak that Neda is not aware of the alleged briberies.

"We have already implemented several rail projects. It is easy to compare the components—how much are the rails per metric ton, the ballasts, etc. The information is available. We benchmark the prices against previous rail projects, and we found the prices [of Southrail] reasonable."

Neda, the secretariat or the agency that provides technical support to the Neda Board that eventually rules on development projects, has been criticized by academicians and senators for being virtually powerless in overseeing the specific project contracts. At the Senate hearing last year, Neri said Neda just approves the project's substance, not the contracts.

Neri and Lozada

But Reinoso is adamant about his agency's role. "Neda's role is plain and simple, just to see if the project is viable and if it is consistent with the objectives under our medium term [development plan]. We don't negotiate the price or choose who will be the supplier. Those are the tasks of the proponent agency."

Reinoso admitted, however, that while rail projects are easier to validate and do a feasibility study on, there are highly complex projects, like the broadband project, which they find difficult to validate since they don't have the resources to double check the prices. This becomes even more pronounced for projects that are not awarded through competitive bidding.

"Our problem is when the contentious issues become too technical, and there's a deadlock in the discussions between the proponent agency and Neda, at the end of the day Neda will defer to the agency. Why? Because we don't have a counter argument. Neda cannot afford to hire an expert consultant who can tell us if the prices are really correct."

Reinoso said this explains why Neri must have depended on his friend, Lozada.

"My staff who reviewed the broadband project has an electronics and communications engineer, one has a PhD degree and another with two masters degrees," explains Reinoso.

"But they are development planners who know the technical aspects. The input from a real practitioner is still important. Lozada is a practitioner. He worked with IBM and Alcatel."

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=109738

lauston_rr28

February 22nd, 2008, 11:49 AM

It must really push through or else another million dollars debt that we Filipinos need to pay. Kawawa naman kaapo apuhan ko di pa naman ipinapanganak may utang na.

alcogoodwin

February 22nd, 2008, 12:09 PM

It must really push through or else another million dollars debt that we Filipinos need to pay. .

Probably a minimal amount when compared to the losses economically.
One shudders to think of the traffic generated in the next 10 years, especially from buses, if a proper railway system never materializes.

Brad

Sinjin P.

February 22nd, 2008, 12:34 PM

Now, I want to see what Mr. PhilippinePolitics will show about the posts of Pinoyexchange.com.. I think most of the posters in their local and Foreign issue thread are from opposition and from so-called "patriots".. :ohno:

OT: I just subscribed to the Youtube Channel of PhilippinePolitics and he just uploaded a video about PinoyExchange.

gE9Vh7Tf-oo
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gE9Vh7Tf-oo

walrus357

February 22nd, 2008, 01:55 PM

Good job boys and girls...I just hope all your messages will come across to these good for nothing bozos in the senate...keep it up!!!:cheers:

manchowyin

February 22nd, 2008, 03:55 PM

I just found this video at Youtube featuring this thread and some forumers' posts. :shocked:

3HNCRu4UDGw
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3HNCRu4UDGw

Am I glad someone posted that. I hope he posts more. I sometimes pass on to friends the web address of this forum so they get the real score.

le Reine

February 23rd, 2008, 03:18 AM

what?! na-feature si alcogoodwin? por dat, ayoko na mag-post dito baka may makakilala sa akin. freak out!!! :shocked:

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 06:47 AM

what?! na-feature si alcogoodwin? por dat, ayoko na mag-post dito baka may makakilala sa akin. freak out!!! :shocked:

^^ Continue posting, be positive.... This is our life already, everytime I use my computer and hook up to web I immediately log to SSC... :)

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 07:42 AM

Good job boys and girls...I just hope all your messages will come across to these good for nothing bozos in the senate...keep it up!!!:cheers:

Yes, well you would hope so.
In a perfect world they may even take notice!
Oh if only we were in a perfect world. :(

Brad

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 07:44 AM

what?! na-feature si alcogoodwin? por dat, ayoko na mag-post dito baka may makakilala sa akin. freak out!!! :shocked:

Howdee,
Not sure if this was a questioned aimed for me. None of those words feature in what tagalog I have learn't so far :)

Brad

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 08:03 AM

Howdee,
Not sure if this was a questioned aimed for me. None of those words feature in what tagalog I have learn't so far :)

Brad

^^ Marieantonnete was afraid the people might discover him because members here like us have posted our comments in the video. :)

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 08:07 AM

^^ Marieantonnete was afraid the people might discover him because members here like us have posted our comments in the video. :)

Do you think we could charge people for comment usage :lol:

Perhaps we could apply to do a regular column in the Manila Bulletin!!!
Hmmmm, nah, I think we may be to controversial.

:lol:

Brad

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 08:09 AM

Do you think we could charge people for comment usage :lol:

Perhaps we could apply to do a regular column in the Manila Bulletin!!!
Hmmmm, nah, I think we may be to controversial.

:lol:

Brad

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 08:14 AM

what?! na-feature si alcogoodwin? por dat, ayoko na mag-post dito baka may makakilala sa akin. freak out!!! :shocked:

Just got my asawa to translate.

I do have reservations about the person who stole this from SSC for use elsewhere, indeed there must be some sort of legal copyrite law broken here which should be investigated.
However the appearance of whatever you say here on YouTube really shouldn't make much more of a difference when it comes to them finding you. There certainly is no addition information posted about you on YouTube than there is here, while Skyscrapercity is just as open to the public.
Regardless, I can't see any government people making to much of an effort to hunt down people posting here, there isn't much that hasn't been said already elsewhere.

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 08:19 AM

^^ BTW, I have a good feeling that based on the current pace of the works being done at Linkage Project the PNR can possibly complete the line from Tayuman to Bicutan Area by July and operate it by September. That's approximately 20kms. of length.

Status of the Stations:
Tayuman - Under heavy rehabilitation
Blumentritt - Construction of the Station by March
Laon-Laan - Might be posponed due to the remaining elite squatters. Once cleared, they will replaced the Station with the new one.
Espanya - Repair of the Station soon
Sta. Mesa - Repair of the Station soon plus parking area.
Pandacan Bridge - Currently under rehabilitation
Pandacan - Construction of New Station underway
Paco - Construction of New Station soon
Vito Cruz - Repair of the Station soon
Buendia - Under repair of the station underway
Pasay - Under repair of the station underway
Magallanes - Minor repair of the station soon
Bicutan - Construction of the New Station soon..

Caloocan to Blumentritt - Relocation underway...
Bicutan to Calamba - Relocation is underway...

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 08:22 AM

Just got my asawa to translate.

I do have reservations about the person who stole this from SSC for use elsewhere, indeed there must be some sort of legal copyrite law broken here which should be investigated.
However the appearance of whatever you say here on YouTube really shouldn't make much more of a difference when it comes to them finding you. There certainly is no addition information posted about you on YouTube than there is here, while Skyscrapercity is just as open to the public.
Regardless, I can't see any government people making to much of an effort to hunt down people posting here, there isn't much that hasn't been said already elsewhere.

^^ Yeah!!! Nobody will come after us even those heavy vocal person, unless he has a good heart and investing too much in the railway rehabilitation programm.. he he he...why not?:cheers:

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 08:26 AM

^^ Marieantonnete was afraid the people might discover him because members here like us have posted our comments in the video. :)

If anyone else has concerns about the usage of their posts on YouTube without first gaining permission to do so, I suggest contacting YouTube. I have done so, but the voices of many work better.
While on the surface it does seem like good publicity, I think 'Marieantonnete' has some genuine concerns and we don't really wish anyone on the group to stop posting their thoughts due to others stealing content for use elsewhere.

alcogoodwin

February 23rd, 2008, 08:29 AM

^^ BTW, I have a good feeling that based on the current pace of the works being done at Linkage Project the PNR can possibly complete the line from Tayuman to Bicutan Area by July and operate it by September. That's approximately 20kms. of length.

..

Thank you for the station by station update.
Very much appreciated.

Great to see Tayuman will be back on the map.

Regards
Brad
** Gotta rush, big Philippine party tonight :lol:

wheel of steel

February 23rd, 2008, 08:49 AM

^^ This is how I see the Pandacan PNR Station Track Layout... :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2285554762_aef27ee883_o.jpg

Sinjin P.

February 23rd, 2008, 09:38 AM

If anyone else has concerns about the usage of their posts on YouTube without first gaining permission to do so, I suggest contacting YouTube. I have done so, but the voices of many work better.
While on the surface it does seem like good publicity, I think 'Marieantonnete' has some genuine concerns and we don't really wish anyone on the group to stop posting their thoughts due to others stealing content for use elsewhere.

I don't think the person who created that video violated any copyright laws or stole anything from anyone. He/she merely quoted some of the posts in the forums, and there is nothing wrong with that. It has also already occurred that some of our forumers' posts were quoted in national and local newspapers in the past years. It is not necessary to ask permission from the poster to quote their statements just as long as they cite where those come from especially that this is a public online forum where you are responsible for everything you post.

The real violation comes when members of other forums copy-paste our content here in SSC without proper credit/acknowledgement and more so if they're maliciously using our content and saying that it is theirs or using it to make profit.

Lucentino

February 23rd, 2008, 01:08 PM

As I have mentioned previously --- this project can be derailed by a lot of factors, and one of them is politics... that is why I have always maintained a restricted pessimistic attitude about this.

Well anyway, atleast there is a break in the monotonous spirit; aside from limited updates about the railway projects, there has now been political discussions which adds color to this wonderful thread...

There is a thin line for a project being beneficial and detrimental to society... a project which would benefit a lot of people, but will be a milking cow by some politicos could be a cause for concern... I just hope these rail project's costs could be justified once and for all...

no railroading please! :)

queetz@home

February 23rd, 2008, 03:15 PM

^^ Indeed. And I must reiterate that its okay to talk politics in threads like these as long as it remains within the spirit and relevance of the main topic. It just so happens that Jun Lozada and the anti-Gloria Arroyo people decided to drag the North Rail/South Rail project into their controversy and attempt to oust the president so any comment about them are indeed relevant.

It is no different in other Continental and Nation Forums of SSC when a skyscraper project is cancelled because of some local political issues or if an urban infrastructure project such as bridges, subways, etc is put on hold because of some narrow minded politician. Forumers from around the world do tend to bash their politicians and other high profile personalities (Wendell Cox and Randal O'Toole comes up quite often in North American urban projects) and posts like the once featured in YouTube are a very acceptable behaviour in these forums as they still pertain to the overall spirit of this website.

Sinjin P.

February 23rd, 2008, 03:26 PM

youdamiren

February 23rd, 2008, 05:00 PM

dancethingy

February 23rd, 2008, 08:09 PM

^ Queetz, did you happen to watch last night's episode of Crossroads at ANC? The main topic is if this GMA Resign movement happening right now is a nationwide sentiment. Among all the arguments presented by the guests, (there were four guests: Mayor of Candaba, someone from CBCP, a businessman from Bacolod, and someone from University of Mindanao) I think what is right for me (and unfortunately unpopular) is Pampanga mayor Jerry Pelayo's opinions regarding the issue. He said that while he also wants to know the truth regarding the corruptions in the country, the big projects should have just been allowed to go and continue simultaneously with the current investigations being done since both the truth and those infrastructures will be beneficial to every Filipino. I think that summarizes Pelayo's whole message but I wanted to get a full transcript. Does anyone of you know how I could retrieve such? Should I email ABS-CBN? (Unfortunately, I did not find any email address on their site)

Amen to Mr. Pelayo!

I think some of us here in this forum are beginning to sound like Arroyo Hawks when we trully aren't. I am just as suspicious of this administration as any oppositionist is, but i am trying to be practical here. What we have in our hands are several infrastructure projects that are crucial in the development of our country. We hear from local and foreign businessmen/women and economists everyday how our country desperatly needs infrastructure development in order to spur growth in depressed areas and increase efficiency in places that already developed.

Yes, we must recognize good works by the government, but not allow that as an excuse for graft and corruption. Justice must be brought to those who illegally benefit from infrastructure funding.

However, we must not let our pursuit of justice hinder infrastructure projects that will eventually bring more benefit to our nation than the corruption it spurned. A national broadband network could've done wonders to communications development in the Philippines, but the piranhas of the senate overlooked this potential and instead pursued an irresponsible policy of character assasination and political soap operas.

The senate should have been more practical by allowing the project to progress while prudent, meaningful investigations were taking place.

A meaningful investigation could've involved summoning local and foreign experts on communications technology to assess whether this project was trully overpriced or not. This move would have certainly signaled to the EDUCATED public that an investigation was being conducted with the GENUINE PURSUIT of revealing wrongdoing.

instead what we get is a "HULABALOO AT THE SENATE"

The NBN-ZTE deal was a seperate development from southrail/northrail, but for some reason the opposition decided to involve all infrastructure developments.

I don't think anybody from the opposition really thinks about the positive developments that could come about with a fully functioning rail system running from MANILA TO NORTHERN LUZON. They don't think about the reduction of costs in transporting goods from farm/factory to market. They don't think about the businesses that can be lured around rail lines that can potentially create jobs and increase productivity in once struggling provinces.

These Senators DO NOT THINK ABOUT THESE POSSIBLE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS

WHY???????????????????????

BECAUSE IT SIMPLY DOESN'T FAVOR THEM. CERTAINLY, SENATORS MADRIGAL AND LACSON WON'T BENEFIT IF A SUPPLIER OF DRIED GOODS FROM LA UNION CAN SHIP GOODS TO MANILA FOR P500 INSTEAD P1000 WITH THE AID OF NORTHRAIL!

barrera_marquez

February 24th, 2008, 12:05 AM

Amen to Mr. Pelayo!

I think some of us here in this forum are beginning to sound like Arroyo Hawks when we trully aren't. I am just as suspicious of this administration as any oppositionist is, but i am trying to be practical here. What we have in our hands are several infrastructure projects that are crucial in the development of our country. We hear from local and foreign businessmen/women and economists everyday how our country desperatly needs infrastructure development in order to spur growth in depressed areas and increase efficiency in places that already developed.

Yes, we must recognize good works by the government, but not allow that as an excuse for graft and corruption. Justice must be brought to those who illegally benefit from infrastructure funding.

However, we must not let our pursuit of justice hinder infrastructure projects that will eventually bring more benefit to our nation than the corruption it spurned. A national broadband network could've done wonders to communications development in the Philippines, but the piranhas of the senate overlooked this potential and instead pursued an irresponsible policy of character assasination and political soap operas.

The senate should have been more practical by allowing the project to progress while prudent, meaningful investigations were taking place.

A meaningful investigation could've involved summoning local and foreign experts on communications technology to assess whether this project was trully overpriced or not. This move would have certainly signaled to the EDUCATED public that an investigation was being conducted with the GENUINE PURSUIT of revealing wrongdoing.

instead what we get is a "HULABALOO AT THE SENATE"

The NBN-ZTE deal was a seperate development from southrail/northrail, but for some reason the opposition decided to involve all infrastructure developments.

I don't think anybody from the opposition really thinks about the positive developments that could come about with a fully functioning rail system running from MANILA TO NORTHERN LUZON. They don't think about the reduction of costs in transporting goods from farm/factory to market. They don't think about the businesses that can be lured around rail lines that can potentially create jobs and increase productivity in once struggling provinces.

These Senators DO NOT THINK ABOUT THESE POSSIBLE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS

WHY???????????????????????

BECAUSE IT SIMPLY DOESN'T FAVOR THEM. CERTAINLY, SENATORS MADRIGAL AND LACSON WON'T BENEFIT IF A SUPPLIER OF DRIED GOODS FROM LA UNION CAN SHIP GOODS TO MANILA FOR P500 INSTEAD P1000 WITH THE AID OF NORTHRAIL!

Tama si Mayor Pelayo ng Candaba! Dapat tapusin muna ito! Mabuhay tayong mga kabalen! Kung tutuusin, masyado nating kini-criticize ang government. Tingnan muna natin itong mga proyektong ito bago tayo humiyaw ng "overpriced!" Palibhasa, gusto lang nilang sumikat para sa 2010 elections. Soon, if the projects went through, mari-realize ng mga tao ang benefits ng mga ganitong proyekto.

Maganda ang sinabi ni Dancethingy na...

However, we must not let our pursuit of justice hinder infrastructure projects that will eventually bring more benefit to our nation than the corruption it spurned. A national broadband network could've done wonders to communications development in the Philippines, but the piranhas of the senate overlooked this potential and instead pursued an irresponsible policy of character assasination and political soap operas.

dahil kung palaging ganito ang view ng mga tao at pulitiko, malamang matagal na tayong naka-ahon sa kahirapan.

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 02:05 AM

^ Should I email ABS-CBN? (Unfortunately, I did not find any email address on their site)

I would suspect the email address would be crossroads@abs-cbn.com
They usually use the name of the show in the email address.
Give that a try, thats how I contact 'Mornings @ ANC'.

Brad

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 02:20 AM

Is there a station in Alabang?

Yes, it can be found on Montillano Street (north side), it be where most services terminate.
Wheels would not have included it in his listing as work has not yet commenced there.

Regards
Brad

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 02:31 AM

I don't think the person who created that video violated any copyright laws or stole anything from anyone. He/she merely quoted some of the posts in the forums, and there is nothing wrong with that. It has also already occurred that some of our forumers' posts were quoted in national and local newspapers in the past years. It is not necessary to ask permission from the poster to quote their statements just as long as they cite where those come from especially that this is a public online forum where you are responsible for everything you post..

It is a common courtesy, whether or not it does, or does not (which I am trying to find out), infringe any copyrite law to seek permission of the original person before setting about publishing it elsewhere.
This is why I am always asking Wheels, Nathan etc for use of their work. Although Wheels has kindly offered open usage, to which he will always be accredited.
While all that is said here is obviously already in the public domain and open to viewing by all and sundry, thus nobody should be any more or less worried about it appearing on YouTube, a common act of decency should mean that the original poster should be asked prior to usage of their material.
Of course the poster on YouTube is likely just a eget stirrer, with no real concern for any journalistic decency.
:lol: Journalistic and decency in the same sentence, who would have thought :lol:

Ultimately, to those who are now worried to post here, I would not let it spoil your enjoyment of the thread and contributing to it. Just don't make any outlandish accusations that may be considered defamatory. Certainly no allegations of a particular person having 'ACTUALLY' done something.
Random comments about your dissatisfaction with politicians etc is hardly going to see them show up at your door. They are pretty thick skinned and have heard far worse than what you can throw at them :lol:

gen1

February 24th, 2008, 02:32 AM

(and unfortunately unpopular)[/I] is Pampanga mayor Jerry Pelayo's opinions regarding the issue. He said that while he also wants to know the truth regarding the corruptions in the country, the big projects should have just been allowed to go and continue simultaneously with the current investigations being done since both the truth and those infrastructures will be beneficial to every Filipino. )

This Pelayo opinion would be silly since if a "tainted" infrastructure project is allowed to continue, the contractors will be able to obtain payments and the crminals would be able to partake in the fruits of the corruption.

For example what has happened with the overpriced Apec Lamp Posts project of Cebu? It involved two or three contracts with one of the contracts almost fully paid. Has the goverment been able to retrieve any of the excess monies in the overprice ?

It is also interesting to note that most of the rojects tainted with corruption involves ODA/BOT projects.

It is also interesting to note that the north/south rail will still be retaining the "narrow gage" railwidth and will not join the rest of the world with the modern "standard gage" rails.

The legaspi-manila train ride when it was still operational took over 24 hours. the luxurious 29seater manila-legaspi aircon bus can do it in 8 hours, while the dirt cheap non-aircon bus does in 10-12hrs

Narrow gage trains are slower than standard gage trains, and need wider radius turns to make high speed turns.

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 02:36 AM

^^ BTW, I have a good feeling that based on the current pace of the works being done at Linkage Project the PNR can possibly complete the line from Tayuman to Bicutan Area by July and operate it by September. That's approximately 20kms. of length. .

Assuming the railcars will be ready for immediate deployment then they should be rocking up on Philippine shores before this time for crew training!
I wonder if they will be unloaded at North Port and negotiate this line to Tayuman? Be interesting if this disused freight only line is the first to see them.
May not happen this way though, John Holland's 1620 class were road hauled direct to Tayuman for unloading.

gen1

February 24th, 2008, 02:37 AM

I don't think the person who created that video violated any copyright laws or stole anything from anyone. He/she merely quoted some of the posts in the forums, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Well the person who made the youtube video is an ssc member anway. :lol:

It's so amatuerish too. My povedan freshman high school niece makes better powerpoints than that ranting video. :lol:

crappypants

February 24th, 2008, 02:44 AM

yeah it's okey to talk polititics as longs as it agrees with the moderator's views and it's progma.:ohno:

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 02:55 AM

It is also interesting to note that the north/south rail will still be retaining the "narrow gage" railwidth and will not join the rest of the world with the modern "standard gage" rails.

Narrow gage trains are slower than standard gage trains, and need wider radius turns to make high speed turns.

The matter of gauge has been debated at great length on here and other forums.
The basic facts are that 3ft6 gauge is often ridiculed as being far lower than standard gauge and should be considered of less use in the Philippines.
3ft6 gauge in here in Australia carries our fastest passenger trains and our heaviest coal trains, yet it is vastly cheaper to construct, especially when you consider what would be needed in the Philippines to gain the far wider curve formations needed for standard gauge.
Realistically the Philippines really does not require the services of a large TGV/Bullet etc etc type service. Being able to reach speeds of 165kph would make for a very short trip to Bicol already and this is achievable on 3ft6.
The expense of replacing every level crossing on Luzon to allow 300-400kph running would boggle the senses and add greatly to the costs that are already complained about being to high.
As for it being any sort of impediment to hauling freight, I don't think you have much reason to worry.

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/image/4685f104431c3703/coalwagons.JPG

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 03:04 AM

The legaspi-manila train ride when it was still operational took over 24 hours. the luxurious 29seater manila-legaspi aircon bus can do it in 8 hours, while the dirt cheap non-aircon bus does in 10-12hrs

Narrow gage trains are slower than standard gage trains, and need wider radius turns to make high speed turns.

Hi mate,
Sorry for seeming to keep disagreeing with you, but the Manila to Legaspi run was an overnight service. Left in the afternoon and arrived in the morning. You were looking at more a 16 hour run if all went well.

Standard gauge also requires wider radius curves for the excessive speeds used in some countries. A standard gauge curve does not necessarily make it viable for fast train operation solely based on the gauge.
What sort of speeds are you wishing to see on the railways there?

gen1

February 24th, 2008, 03:23 AM

le Reine

February 24th, 2008, 03:24 AM

Hi mate,
Sorry for seeming to keep disagreeing with you, but the Manila to Legaspi run was an overnight service. Left in the afternoon and arrived in the morning. You were looking at more a 16 hour run if all went well.

Standard gauge also requires wider radius curves for the excessive speeds used in some countries. A standard gauge curve does not necessarily make it viable for fast train operation solely based on the gauge.
What sort of speeds are you wishing to see on the railways there?

Hi alcogoodwin, please enumerate other countries that use narrow gauge and their respective speeds so that I will know more about this setup. Thanks :)

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 04:05 AM

no worries. I'm pretty certain it was a 24 hr service as I inquired about it when I did work in bicol. I'd hear it pass by in Ligao so it piqued my interest. The locals told me they don't ride the trains since they were filthy, uncomfortable and took forever to get to manila. But I wasn't able to board one.

Those fast trains in oz, are you referring to the tilt-trains ?

If they're replacing the tracks with heavy duty narrow gage tracks, then I think there would be no problem.

Wasn't the decision to maintain the narrow gage rail system in australia based more on having backward compatability with the existing railways ? (would've been more costly for australia to rip up all those working condition railways and discard the rolling stock)

BTW i've ridden on your trains whilst in sydney. I love being able board a train at the airport ! saved me money on taxi fare.

Howdee,
While the official timetable was for less than 24 hours, I suppose, like any railway, this could easily be blown out to be longer at times.
Back in the 90s I believe one of the, then, two overnight Legaspi sets was used on a shuttle up to Naga and return during their layover during the day at the southern station. A 24 hour schedule would not have allowed for this and the last timetable, during 2006, was not disimilar to one of those services.

Yep the QR tilt train. Working well in Queensland but sadly not adopted in the other states yet. The current railcars on order for the PNR are metro type ones, but it would be interesting to see tilt versions used for runs to Bicol.
There has been no mention of such thinking though sadly.

There has never been a stage that Queensland has ever considered changing the gauge.
It would indeed be a significant cost to do and given the way they operate now (leaving the other states way behind) I can't see there being any considerable benefit, especially as passenger trains are treated as second best here.
Narrow gauge in Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia also is likely not to be changed either.
Our huge distances would make a very fast train useful, but the amount of people who would likely use it would make it less than viable otehr than perhaps the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane corridor.

Only major push to change to standard gauge in recent times has been to downsize from the larger broad gauge, which, using the idea of wider is better, would thus be considered retrograde.

The airport railway in Sydney has made travel a lot quicker and it is cheaper for one person. If you are travelling with 2 or more people you may as well get a taxi to the city and they drop you at the door of your hotel or Central for much cheaper. ($12.50 per person for the train Vs $24 approx for taxi to Central).
Taxis retain the lion share of passengers out of the airport, despite competion from shuttle buses, government buses, hire cars and trains.
This railway, which I have used once, has been a spectacular failure as far as airport patronage is concerned :( People just refuse to pay this sort of price when a bus will do it for $2.60 for only 10-15 minutes more travelling time.

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 04:10 AM

Hi alcogoodwin, please enumerate other countries that use narrow gauge and their respective speeds so that I will know more about this setup. Thanks :)

NOTE: I misread your previous posting when making this reply. See the following post. I have left this one here anyway.

I can't give full details of these trains mostly due to my lack of interest in them. I don't research them half as much as those down here and in the Philippines and Fiji.
Japan and Europe have long been regarded with high speed rail travel. Indeed the rail speed record was recently smashed in Europe (574.8km/h I think) by a specially fitted out train. This record speed will however not be used in normal service.

A quick search of the internet for high speed rail in Europe should give you much detail about it and what they have achieved. Am sure Wikipedia covers it.

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 04:14 AM

Hi alcogoodwin, please enumerate other countries that use narrow gauge and their respective speeds so that I will know more about this setup. Thanks :)

Sorry mate, I misread you posting.
Other countries that use narrow gauge would be an extensive list and as for speeds I could not tell you.

Australia
UK and elsewhere in Europe.
North and South America
Most of South East Asia
Fiji
New Zealand
No doubt I have missed many locations.

There are a number of narrow gauge specific Yahoogroups that would be able to help you with this sort of enquiry, as could some websites I imagine.

nayki

February 24th, 2008, 04:37 AM

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 04:52 AM

Kung ganon malapit2 ito sa original target operation date nila na June 2008. Sinabi kasi ni GMA last june 2007 noong ground braking ng metro rail sa buendia na she is expecting to inagurate the project after 1 year.

I can't understand exactly what you are saying, but I assume it relates to Gloria's announcement it would all be done in 12 months.
Back then I thought this was a little to optimistic and today I feel this to be the case even more. We are about to enter March and still the old tracks are down on the old worn formation.
We are talking weeks to get the rail ripped up, formation redone, railway and ballast relaid, from Caloocan to Alabang. Not to mention other off rail work required.
Twelve months for the construction of DMUs, shipping them and training crews would also be a great effort, unless they are just plain off the shelf stuff at a engineering facility that was able to start straight away.

nayki

February 24th, 2008, 04:59 AM

^^They must speed up the relocation of the informal settlers to achieve a project milestone before the year ends.

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 05:00 AM

Can anyone answer:

1) What is the approximate milage of the run from Tutuban to Binan?

2) Same as above for Tutuban to Caloocan.

Plus please indulge me with a non-rail question!

3) How famous is Pinay singer 'Ivy Violan'? Met her last night and she was really nice. Just wondered how big she is in the Phils.

Thanks
Brad

barrera_marquez

February 24th, 2008, 08:08 AM

This Pelayo opinion would be silly since if a "tainted" infrastructure project is allowed to continue, the contractors will be able to obtain payments and the crminals would be able to partake in the fruits of the corruption.

For example what has happened with the overpriced Apec Lamp Posts project of Cebu? It involved two or three contracts with one of the contracts almost fully paid. Has the goverment been able to retrieve any of the excess monies in the overprice ?

It is also interesting to note that most of the rojects tainted with corruption involves ODA/BOT projects.

It is also interesting to note that the north/south rail will still be retaining the "narrow gage" railwidth and will not join the rest of the world with the modern "standard gage" rails.

The legaspi-manila train ride when it was still operational took over 24 hours. the luxurious 29seater manila-legaspi aircon bus can do it in 8 hours, while the dirt cheap non-aircon bus does in 10-12hrs

Narrow gage trains are slower than standard gage trains, and need wider radius turns to make high speed turns.

Lamposts naman iyon, talagang magde-deteriorate iyon kapag hindi mo mine-maintenance iyon. Ang mga riles at expressway kailangang matapos lang tapos ilagay sa BOT para private sector ang mag-manage niyan. Paano naman kikita ang isang private sector na magma-manage ng mga lampposts na iyan? Hindi naman iyon naniningil ng toll fee. Take the success of the North Luzon Expressway for example.

Siguro you just want to derail everything even for the good of everybody. You don't know the value of 50% deduction of prices of vegetables from Benguet if the Northrail project is finished. But poor people will understand it, and that is why sinusuportahan ko ang mga projects na iyan para makatulong sa mga mahihirap at makapag-bigay ng mga trabaho sa mga unemployed.

Isa pa, ang standard gauge na railways ay nasa LRT at MRT. Tama ka roon kung titingnan, bakit nila ire-retain iyon? Ang panget naman ng labas noon.

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 08:19 AM

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 08:25 AM

^^ Hi there!!!

1) Tutuban to Binan = 41km
2) Caloocan to Binan = 43km
3) Triangulo to Binan = 40km
4) Ivy? = Popular

:)
Thanks Wheels, I knew I could count on you, both for the railway and the Pinay questions :lol:

Brad

alcogoodwin

February 24th, 2008, 08:27 AM

While looking over his blog site I got to notice he also has a website with a 'GASP' forum.
Here is your chance to let a government person know exactly what you feel about the railways (or other transport) and ideas for how it can be made better.
Seems he is a very approachable person, so if all on the thread are passionate about the railways there, perhaps we should all get on there and give all our views.

What you think?

http://senpinglacson.proboards83.com/index.cgi?

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 08:32 AM

^^ Please Catch the PNR Train... he he he... Please listen to my favorite heavy metal band "The Scorpions" from 1975 Virgin Killer Album, Catch your train... :banana: Enjoy this thread while listening to this music. It Rockkkkkssss!!!!

:rock::rock::rock::rock::rock:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2357/2287935730_21fe1d1306.jpg?v=0 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcVmXv-dD80)

:rock::rock::rock::rock::rock:

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 08:35 AM

Thanks Wheels, I knew I could count on you, both for the railway and the Pinay questions :lol:

Brad

^^ Your welcome guys, he he he.... :cheers::cheers::cheers: Sorry guys, sometimes I forgot to logged off my SSC accound. It always appear green. Don't expect sometimes that I'll be always available. But my heart will always be here in NS....

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 08:43 AM

Is there a station in Alabang?

^^ Yes, darling, we're going to have a station there in Alabang. Actually it is quite bigger since Alabang will be the terminus of some express train. BTW, the PNR trains, unlike the LRT and MRT will have an express rail service. Though quite premature to say but the PNR is maintaining its diversion tracks specially in Pandacan, Pasay and Sucat Stations. This will serve to bypass these stations and instead we will get a faster ride... :)

In the case of LRT1, we have a bypass station at Central Station near Quiapo Bride. LR2 has one in Cubao, (bay paltform). MRT has it's bypass track at Shaw Station...

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 08:50 AM

Assuming the railcars will be ready for immediate deployment then they should be rocking up on Philippine shores before this time for crew training!
I wonder if they will be unloaded at North Port and negotiate this line to Tayuman? Be interesting if this disused freight only line is the first to see them.
May not happen this way though, John Holland's 1620 class were road hauled direct to Tayuman for unloading.

^^ Yup, this is also a good start. Assuming that they still preserve the line but this will definitely show a nice starter considering that cargo and hauling trains and cars doesn't really need much track maintenance. Just like what ICTSC experience those days. I mean it was even more terrible because of the presence of the squatters and actually runs very risk of hijackers. We'll, very nice idea. The last time the port line was put into attention is that when it was asphalt overlayed. But it doen's seems to be a problem. I think the city hall find it easiier to cleant the surroundings when all of the tracks were covered by asphalt. Just like a railroad crossings....:)

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 09:01 AM

Hi alcogoodwin, please enumerate other countries that use narrow gauge and their respective speeds so that I will know more about this setup. Thanks :)

^^ Hi XP, Japan is the no. 1 country that uses narrow guage track for trains and also the no. 1 railway innovator as far as high speed operation for narrow gauge railway is concerned. Their gauge is exactly similar to that of us except that they are using extremely heavy rails (50kg/m). Ours is only 32kg/m and never had been in repair for decades. Almost 80% of the tracks are narrow gauges. They use it for intercity, cargo, mail, express and local train service. High Speed lines uses standard gauges. Maximum attainable speed for their narrow gauge tracks is 160-170kph...

Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, South Africa uses narrow gauge (1067mm)

Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and other SE Asia Nations uses narrower gauge (meter gauge 1000mm)

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 09:09 AM

The matter of gauge has been debated at great length on here and other forums.
The basic facts are that 3ft6 gauge is often ridiculed as being far lower than standard gauge and should be considered of less use in the Philippines.
3ft6 gauge in here in Australia carries our fastest passenger trains and our heaviest coal trains, yet it is vastly cheaper to construct, especially when you consider what would be needed in the Philippines to gain the far wider curve formations needed for standard gauge.
Realistically the Philippines really does not require the services of a large TGV/Bullet etc etc type service. Being able to reach speeds of 165kph would make for a very short trip to Bicol already and this is achievable on 3ft6.
The expense of replacing every level crossing on Luzon to allow 300-400kph running would boggle the senses and add greatly to the costs that are already complained about being to high.
As for it being any sort of impediment to hauling freight, I don't think you have much reason to worry.

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/resources/image/4685f104431c3703/coalwagons.JPG

:applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 09:18 AM

Kung ganon malapit2 ito sa original target operation date nila na June 2008. Sinabi kasi ni GMA last june 2007 noong ground braking ng metro rail sa buendia na she is expecting to inagurate the project after 1 year.

^^ I think it won't happen already considering delays in the relocation and other stuffs. Maybe there wil still be inauguration in July but only good for short lines completed say from Tayuman to Buendia. :)

youdamiren

February 24th, 2008, 09:40 AM

^^ Yes, darling, we're going to have a station there in Alabang. Actually it is quite bigger since Alabang will be the terminus of some express train. BTW, the PNR trains, unlike the LRT and MRT will have an express rail service. Though quite premature to say but the PNR is maintaining its diversion tracks specially in Pandacan, Pasay and Sucat Stations. This will serve to bypass these stations and instead we will get a faster ride... :)

In the case of LRT1, we have a bypass station at Central Station near Quiapo Bride. LR2 has one in Cubao, (bay paltform). MRT has it's bypass track at Shaw Station...

If this would be a bigger station, do you know where this station would be located?

wheel of steel

February 24th, 2008, 11:56 AM

If this would be a bigger station, do you know where this station would be located?

^^ Yup, the station will be built before the Alabang Zapote Road. Just in front of the Alabang Mall..:)

dancethingy

February 24th, 2008, 08:24 PM

dancethingy

February 24th, 2008, 08:37 PM

barrera_marquez

February 25th, 2008, 12:21 AM

I would like to thank Mr. Wheel of Steel and Mr. Brad for providing us all the technical information about rails that WE TRULLY NEED.

Having such technical expertise on this issues really adds a lot of substance and credibility to the arguments we are trying to make. The administration should hire the both of you to testify in the senate. THE FIRST TWO SENATE WITNESSES with some solid accountability.

No offense everyone pero yung dalawang senate witnesses na si Jun Lozada at si Joey de Venecia ay wala namang ebidensya pang naipapakita. Kung biglang maglabas ng ebidensya administration, patay na sila.

Isa pa, hindi naman sinabing hayaan ang buwaya na makinabang sa mga projects na ganito. Ang nais lang natin ay matapos ang mga projects na ito at magamit natin. Tapos, habulin na ninyo ang mga buwaya. That's all. It is a win-win situation. May infrastructure na tayo, may nadampot pa tayong buwaya.

gen1

February 25th, 2008, 01:16 AM

Isa pa, hindi naman sinabing hayaan ang buwaya na makinabang sa mga projects na ganito. Ang nais lang natin ay matapos ang mga projects na ito at magamit natin. Tapos, habulin na ninyo ang mga buwaya. That's all. It is a win-win situation. May infrastructure na tayo, may nadampot pa tayong buwaya.

Once the government accepts the project, it is at a disadvantage in any claims suit in recovering any monies criminally paid due to corruption.

This is like what happened to the Bataan Nuclear power plant. The country paid for a reactor at twice the cost of similar model nuclear reactors at the time.

Quick Question, does the south rail include the replacement of rails and sleepers all the way to Matnog, sorsogon ? Or is it just the refurbishment of the train stations ?

The main reason for the slow train ride to legaspi are the dilapidated condition of the rails. At some points the trains have to travel at an extremely slow speed - derailments have happened when the train engineer has dozed off and falied to slow down at these segments.

http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/04/11/13/139519.html
Train derailment in Philippines kills 12
"It's simply a case of overspeeding," said Noli Tolentino, a Philippine National Railways maintenance engineer, adding the train could have been travelling at up to 60 kph as it negotiated a sharp curve near the town of Padre Burgos. Another railways official told reporters three theories had been formulated as investigation began to determine the cause of the accident. Human error, mechanical failure and overspeeding were among the possible reasons, he said.

Elma Aldea, a civil defence administrator, said the train should have slowed to 20 kph due to missing bolts and wooden planks in the area, which is about 165 km southeast of Manila."

alcogoodwin

February 25th, 2008, 01:51 AM

^^ Yup, this is also a good start. Assuming that they still preserve the line but this will definitely show a nice starter considering that cargo and hauling trains and cars doesn't really need much track maintenance. Just like what ICTSC experience those days. I mean it was even more terrible because of the presence of the squatters and actually runs very risk of hijackers. We'll, very nice idea. The last time the port line was put into attention is that when it was asphalt overlayed. But it doen's seems to be a problem. I think the city hall find it easier to cleant the surroundings when all of the tracks were covered by asphalt. Just like a railroad crossings....:)

I am very hopeful that they will retain the line, it would certainly be a vital part of any future freight haulage on the PNR given its access to Manila's port.
It will be interesting to see if the new track building in Tayuman, when it commences, actually reconnects to the port line again. the immediate section of the line from Tayuman is in quite good condition compared to most of the system, although it suffers from very little ballast of any type.

Brad

alcogoodwin

February 25th, 2008, 01:53 AM

alcogoodwin

February 25th, 2008, 02:06 AM

Quick Question, does the south rail include the replacement of rails and sleepers all the way to Matnog, sorsogon ? Or is it just the refurbishment of the train stations ?

The main reason for the slow train ride to legaspi are the dilapidated condition of the rails. At some points the trains have to travel at an extremely slow speed - derailments have happened when the train engineer has dozed off and falied to slow down at these segments.
Elma Aldea, a civil defence administrator, said the train should have slowed to 20 kph due to missing bolts and wooden planks in the area, which is about 165 km southeast of Manila."

A proper rebuild, which is what we believe to be the case, will be the complete replacement of everything, track bed, rails/sleepers and likely a lot of bridges.
The project should see a suitable safeworking system introduced as opposed to whatever they do today, which I have never quite worked out but suspect it is by radio communication.
This will of course only be to Legaspi, the section from here to Sorsogon does not currently exist, so it will be built from scratch.

It is scary to think that the maintenance division treats missing track components by placing a speed restriction on it. A stationary train would spread rails with missing bolts/fishplates etc, so speed restrictions, while helping on rough track or that with some bolts missing, will do little when most have been stolen.
Something, although it wont be easy, needs to be done to fix this situation. Daily track inspections by qualified staff and replacement of these items where necessary would be a good start.
Perhaps treating offences such as stealing track items as 'attempted murder' when it comes to sentencing.
What happens to people now if they are caught selling track pieces to a metal dealer? Probably very little on the handing over of a bribe.
Sadly the stealing attitude will not stop with a new railway being built, so something needs to be done to address it. Those new 100km/h trains will not be of much use on track limited to 15 due to missing parts.

Any ideas what could be done to address the situation?

alcogoodwin

February 25th, 2008, 02:08 AM

by the way, im going back to the philippines this april 18 to may 12. I want to tour rail areas in manila, if anyone wants to come with me to do some inspection and take some pics please let me know. I just don't want to go alone.

Shame.
If it had been one year later I could have met up with you.
Would appreciate any reports you have of track rebuilding and any locomotive and carriage numbers you see still operating.
I actually thought you lived in the Phils. What part of the world are you from now days?

Brad

red_jasper

February 25th, 2008, 03:14 AM

Northrail Construction Begins Despite Legal Questions (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=109738)

By Lala Rimando

Despite legal impediments, construction of the Northrail's 32.3-kilometer phase 1 is quietly pushing through. In a telephone interview, Northrail Corporation's president Arsenio Bartolome III said design and civil works started in October 2007.

Bartolome also said they have already drawn about $50 million from the $503-million loan with the Chinese Export and Import Bank.

At the site, existing utilities, like water pipes, electrical posts and telephone lines have been diverted. He confirmed that relocation of the residents is "100 percent complete."

When asked why construction has started despite legal hurdles, Bartolome told abs-cbnnews.com/Newbreak, "I don't know of any legal cases." Bartolome assumed office in late 2007, after his predecessor, Jose Cortes Jr., passed away.

The Northrail project refers to the rehabilitation of the old Philippine National Railway's north line: an estimated 80.2-kilometer rail road project from Caloocan City in Metro Manila to Clark in Pampanga.

It seems odd that Bartolome is unaware of the legal cases, since according to Harry Roque, lawyer for the displaced residents, the corporate lawyers of Northrail had just filed a motion for reconsideration early this month.

The trial court previously dismissed Northrail's motion to dismiss the case. However, there is no restraining order to stop the construction.

Roque warns that, "If they [Northrail Corporation] proceed with construction, they become builders in bad faith. They [CNMEC] cannot recover any compensation if later on it is proven that the contract is null and void."

The Chinese-funded portion of Northrail seemed to have been a supply-driven project since the designation of state-owned China National Machinery and Equipment Corporation (CNMEC) was a precondition for the grant of the loan from China's Export and Import Bank.

Complete by 2010?

The Northrail project is part of President Arroyo's flagship Strong Republic Transport System designed to provide a fast and reliable mass transport service for passengers and goods between Metro Manila and the Central and Northern Luzon provinces, spurring growth and development.

With the construction underway, Bartolome said they hope to complete the rail connection to Malolos by 2010. President Arroyo completes her term that year.

Tourism and aviation industry players are particularly keen on the second section of the 80-kilometer railway—from Malolos to Clark in Pampanga—since there are plans to make Clark an alternative hub for international flights. The railway will cut traveling time between Manila and Clark from one hour to just about 30 minutes.

Bartolome said they expect to begin construction of this section by end of 2008, and complete it also by 2010, or at the latest, early 2011.

The second phase of the Northrail project is to connect San Fernando City in La Union to Clark. The entire railway stretch from Caloocan to La Union has been abandoned for more than 30 years.

Executive Agreement with China

Northrail's phase 1 section 1 (see graphics) initially became controversial because of the logistical and sociological nightmare of relocating about 40,000 families that have illegally settled near the rail tracks. There were also questions on the technical details, like the choice of narrow-gauge railway.

Further analysis of the contract details showed that besides the clearing, relocation and resettlement expenses not being included in the project's $503- million cost, how the deal itself was crafted proved to be questionable.

For example, the contract was under an executive agreement between the Philippine government, through the Bases Conversion Development Authority, and the Chinese government.

In addition, there was no "certificate of availability of funds" signed by the Monetary Board and the budget department. This certificate, which should have needed the approval of the legislative bodies, was a requirement to ensure that the Philippine government will be setting aside funds for the annual amortization payments to pay off the loan that financed the projects.

In the case of Northrail, China's Export and Import bank provided the loan signed in 2006.

Northrail's lack of a certificate is one of the bases for a preliminary decision last year by the Makati Regional Trial Court that could lead to the nullification of the contract.

Also, without a certificate that would complete all the requirements for a government-to-government deal, the Northrail's phase 1 section 1 project should have not been exempt from public bidding.

Southrail On Track

Meantime, the southern regions are not to be left behind. A planned 542-kilometer stretch from Calamba to Matnog in Sorsogon is due for rehabilitation and new construction. Called the Southrail project, it will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 would cover the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing 423-kilometer railway line from Calamba to Legazpi City, while Phase 3 would involve the construction of a new 135-kilometer railway from Legazpi to Sorsogon.

Like Northrail, the Southrail project is also a government project, which the Chinese government will be funding. National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and China's Ministry of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding for the Southrail project in July 2007.

Construction for phase 1a, which costs $314-million and covers 74 kilometers Caloocan to Alabang (see graphics), is underway.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/02-20-2008/rail400.jpg

Building the rail project in phases is a way to deliberately build up traffic and economic activity, says Ruben Reinoso, deputy director general at Neda
"We have traffic projections for the entire stretch. But we wanted to spur economic activity in the succeeding phases as we start the first one. That way, we let the things build up first so we have higher potential to achieve our projections for traffic, economic activity, and movement of goods and people."

Linking Northrail, which starts in Caloocan, and the Southrail, which commences at Calamba station, is the 70-kilometer Commuter rail (see graphics). Koreans are financing it.

Already heavily traveled, the reconstruction of the existing railway has been a priority. It will service commuters from the Southern outskirts of Metro Manila who prefer to take a one-hour train ride to go home everyday instead of renting a place in the metropolis.

"The train can carry more passengers than a bus. So given that the South Luzon expressway is already congested, there was a need to build a high capacity transport," Reinoso explained.

Read Full Article (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=109738)

diz

February 25th, 2008, 03:19 AM

Good good good good. :)

RonnieR

February 25th, 2008, 04:52 AM

Hope these projects would materialize. We badly need these....

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 05:38 AM

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 05:46 AM

A proper rebuild, which is what we believe to be the case, will be the complete replacement of everything, track bed, rails/sleepers and likely a lot of bridges.
The project should see a suitable safeworking system introduced as opposed to whatever they do today, which I have never quite worked out but suspect it is by radio communication.
This will of course only be to Legaspi, the section from here to Sorsogon does not currently exist, so it will be built from scratch.

It is scary to think that the maintenance division treats missing track components by placing a speed restriction on it. A stationary train would spread rails with missing bolts/fishplates etc, so speed restrictions, while helping on rough track or that with some bolts missing, will do little when most have been stolen.
Something, although it wont be easy, needs to be done to fix this situation. Daily track inspections by qualified staff and replacement of these items where necessary would be a good start.
Perhaps treating offences such as stealing track items as 'attempted murder' when it comes to sentencing.
What happens to people now if they are caught selling track pieces to a metal dealer? Probably very little on the handing over of a bribe.
Sadly the stealing attitude will not stop with a new railway being built, so something needs to be done to address it. Those new 100km/h trains will not be of much use on track limited to 15 due to missing parts.

Any ideas what could be done to address the situation?

^^ Yes, precisely we have to protect our railways from being looted again. This is probably the reason why we don't just build railroad and put trains running on it. Yes, the train will roll on. Mostly this would be the case but what we don't know is that the railroad is running at risk of getting sabotage. This could be the reason why designers of the Southrail was not only confined to just building a new railroad but they come up into ideas of insuring that the railroad is 100% sage, not only by those brandnew spikes, ties and railroad and we'll guarded stations.

It is not easy to judge what are the contents of this $900M Southrail Project. Maybe they will put up super structures and rigid fences, cameras and tunnels.....but all I know is that it is 100% that it will benifit all of us....:):)

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 05:48 AM

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 05:52 AM

I am very hopeful that they will retain the line, it would certainly be a vital part of any future freight haulage on the PNR given its access to Manila's port.
It will be interesting to see if the new track building in Tayuman, when it commences, actually reconnects to the port line again. the immediate section of the line from Tayuman is in quite good condition compared to most of the system, although it suffers from very little ballast of any type.

Brad

Hi Brad,

^^ Im 100% agree that once it is connected to Calamba, the container trains will start rolling again as I don't see any problem at all regarding the condition of the port line. As far as I know, the Cityhall have already cleaned up that area. The last time the ICTSC terminal was located at Calamba so it's pretty much advantagous for the truckers. They don't have to pay the toll fee anymore and only at one time haul, many containers will be tranfered already and could help lessen the congestion at the expressway...

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 05:55 AM

Hope these projects would materialize. We badly need these....

^^ Yup, the Northrail Section 1 and the Linkage Phase 1 are already underways.

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 06:12 AM

^^ This is express train in Thailand at 90kph speed. See how fast this train runs at even narrower gauge (1000mm or 1meter railroad) in 50kg/m steel... Our PNR is 1067mm or 1.067mm @ 32kg/m steel and LRT/MRT is 1454mm or 1.454meter @ 50kg/m steel...

Please click this monster picture to see his video...

http://2bangkok.com/images/pasak02.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdnSwvgFs8o)

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 06:23 AM

^^ This is Thailands DMU Rotem Train. This could be very much similar to that of our order at Rotem. It could be more modern this probably.. he he he.. The train set has 6 coaches and the rail steel is 32kg/m. See how small it is compared to 50kg/m. This trains runs at speeds of 80kph to 110kph. I hope you guys you will have the idea of our new PNR DMU trains soon to be delivered...

Please click this picture to see his video...
Notice the speed of the train at 110kph @ 2:30 to 2:40 minutes..
Maintenance Crue always on check @ 3:20...

http://www.ajg41.plus.com/images/rail/th-dmu.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAglGvBihgg)

Here in this video guys you can actually see how trains are moving withouht the presence of the locomotive. In our previous video, the trains are pulled by the locomotive. Everything including the diesel machine, alternator (which produces electricity) and motors (drives the wheel) are there in the locomotive. In other words, it is one small moving power plants. The train moves by the pulling of the locomotive driving axle.

DMU trains are nothing but same operation as that of the Diesel Locomotives except that instead of just putting it into a single moving object (locomotive), every coaches has it's own diesel generator that power itself. It has it's own motor to drive it's own axle. In other words, every coaches drives it's own and synchorinized all to be able to have a single control system usually on the front of the first coach. Different formation is possible.

gen1

February 25th, 2008, 06:45 AM

diz

February 25th, 2008, 06:52 AM

Wow. I'm totally confused.

I thought the rehabilitation was stalled. So I never thought trains will even be delivered any time soon...

So when are they gonna be delivered?

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 06:57 AM

simple law of physics. the wider the stance, the more stable the train. A standard gage rail at 1.435 meters is 34% wider than a narrow gage rail at 1.067meters and is thus intrinsically more stable.

If the railway becomes phenomenally sucessful and we need to expand capacity, will we be able to shift to double decker trains and still be able to maintain the same speeds on the the narrow gage rails ?

the countries which maintained the narrow gage rail did so for backward compatibility with their existing railway systems. Much like not going for macs because the existing network uses ms windows.

we do not have a working PNR railway. the existing, working railway, the LRT and the MRT, uses the standard gage rail.

why go for narrow gage railways ?

^^ No need to go for standard, narrow gauge can do that. We do not have a working PNR because of the presence of the squatters that disappoints the interest of the riding public.

Super Hitachi of Japan Railways at 130kph Narrow Gauge (1067mm) Passing at Abiko Station, Ibaraki...

Just by looking at the rails will give us exactly the picture of the New PNR railroad...

Please click this picture to see his video...

http://japanese-trains.com/tarn/651-sendai.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOjVO2ygn1s)

Please click this picture to see his video...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Mito_Station_Super_Hitachi_no.31_200507_1.jpg/800px-Mito_Station_Super_Hitachi_no.31_200507_1.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxQzTv5pyS8&feature=related)

WHO KNOWS ONE DAY JAPAN RAILWAYS WILL DONATE THESE MODERN TRAINS TO PNR BECAUSE OF THE RAILROAD COMPATIBILITY!!!.... he he he.....

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Wow. I'm totally confused.

I thought the rehabilitation was stalled. So I never thought trains will even be delivered any time soon...

So when are they gonna be delivered?

^^ Once the railway rehab is completed. I may not be sure about this but the DMUs are already being built/manufacture in Korea. Remember this is a Korean Project by Korea Import Export Bank. Linkage Project is not included on those projects cancelled. What delays this project is the relocation of squatters. We have to accept that fact because of the stupidity of some organizations and media. Anyway theres already a progress but don't expect much to be completed it in timetables. We knew they won't gonna make it by July but who knows, PGMA migh open it for operation but from Tayuman to Bicutan only, probably....

dancethingy

February 25th, 2008, 07:20 AM

@ Brad, i am currently in dubai. They are building a rail system around an area smaller than the province of batangas for BILLIONS OF DOLLARS! They are taking a hell of a long time and they are charging too much for the common person to afford using it. I think the ride starts 5AED, which is equivalent to $1.50.

I basically grew up in Chicago and i am really really dependent on the EL, which is what we call our rail system. $1.50 for a ride, nothing more, nothing less. Its weird that we call our entire rail system the EL, because not all of the rails are elevated. CHicago has gritty rail system. It screams of a rich and wonderful history that only places like New York can rival. Much of the rails in Chicago need an overhaul, but we're afraid of losing the sense of history that makes our rails so unique.

When i see old train stations in the Philippines i don't only see dilapidated buildings overrun with vegetation and garbage from nearby informal settlers, i see a rich and colorful history that when revealed, would make every Filipino and Filipina proud of his/her country's history. To one day see these stations filled with passengers, coming and going, it would be PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!

I repeat, PRICELESS!!!

@ gen1, i admire your idealism in that you would rather see these projects come to a complete halt, indefinitely, until everyone is 100% sure it is graft/corruption free. I understand why you have your opinion, but i just hope you also take into consideration our point of view. We are being pragmatic in our point of view that no project in this country will ever convince EVERYONE that is 100% graft and corruption free. Plus, it hasn't been proven, written in stone, that these projects are overpriced. Why don't we write to Mr. Bartolome and ask him of the full accounting of this project? But then again, not everyone will believe him. In this case, this project would be on hold FOREVER.

@ Wheel of steel, i'll let you know when i get there. Let's arrange a time to do our rail survey!

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 07:24 AM

^^ I hope nobody would say from this thread that Narita Express train is an stardard gauge railroad. he he he... This train serves the Narita Airport to Tokyo Area as a rapid airport express train. It runs at 130kph max speed into a narrow gauge (1067mm) railroad on-grade similar to PNR... You can see from this video the construction of the street level crossings with alarm bell and flashing lights...:cheers: Wohahhh very fast.....

Please click the picture to see the video...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/Narita_express.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAd3t6rTYEA)

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 07:32 AM

dancethingy

February 25th, 2008, 07:46 AM

^^ im going to sleep, just got done with night shift. We should try to make a SSC gathering out of this rail survey.

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 08:48 AM

^^ In this Manila Railways Map, we can see that the Northrail Phase 3 (Caloocan to Fort Bonifacio) runs exactly along the Philippine National Railways from Caloocan to Sta. Mesa and then to FTI. It follows that the Northrail and PNR will be side by side in this length. There was also a proposal that the Northrail will be elevated exactly above the PNR Caloocan to Sta. Mesa line....

The subway line will start at Sta. Mesa Also and along PNR until Pandacan Area. There it will start to dive towards the Makati Area then proceed to Fort Boni via the Pasay Road. There will also be a NAIA extension from Fort Bonifactio.

http://www.reflectionsofasia.com/City%20Atlas%20MM%20001.jpg

barrera_marquez

February 25th, 2008, 12:08 PM

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 12:19 PM

Sana ganyan ang tren sa Northrail para mabilis ang travel. Wala na nga yata silang plano i-rehabilitate ang Cagayan Valley Railways. Tsk!

Actually they can operate this DMU's to the max speed. But for starters, this trains will cruise for 80kph to 100 kph as starters. Also I think that Northrail upto Clark is almost free from level crossings since in this line they will introduce airport express service very similar to that of the Narita Express in Japan. Gaya nga ng sabi ko, Japan might donate this trains as second hand in the future since JR and PNR is compatible.

Meron plano... The Cagayan Valley will traverse from Tayuman Station to Caloocan and then to Balagtas. Cagayan railways will have it's own double tracks as Northrail will also use it's double track exclusively. It's also possible to share tracks but it's usually hard for a two railway company.

Northrail will have it's routes up to San Fernando LaUnion and spurs at Subic and Pangasinan. On the other hand Cagayan Railways routes will be from Tayuman to Caloocan to Balagtas then right to Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan, and Cagayan Valleys....

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 12:32 PM

wheel of steel

February 25th, 2008, 12:34 PM

barrera_marquez

February 25th, 2008, 01:26 PM

^^ The yard is still good as it was.. Cleaning and regrading is enough for this section....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman2.jpg/800px-Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman2.jpg

Kailangan na talaga natin ng rehabilitation sa ating mga heavy rail systems. Kung hindi lang naman dahil kay Lozada at Lacson, magtutuloy-tuloy ang project na iyan. Sana maliwanagan sila na tapusin muna nila ang mga proyekto na ito bago sila magwala ng salitang "overpriced!"

We should chase the crocodiles in the fishpens only after the fishes have been dropped in the fishpens since the crocodiles won't appear if there are no fishes. Sa Filipino: Dapat habulin ang mga buwaya kapag nalagyan na ng isda ang palaisdaan dahil walang buwayang lumilitaw kapag walang isda. Okey ba?

youdamiren

February 25th, 2008, 01:50 PM

blue_summit1

February 25th, 2008, 03:24 PM

Amen to Mr. Pelayo!

I think some of us here in this forum are beginning to sound like Arroyo Hawks when we trully aren't. I am just as suspicious of this administration as any oppositionist is, but i am trying to be practical here. What we have in our hands are several infrastructure projects that are crucial in the development of our country. We hear from local and foreign businessmen/women and economists everyday how our country desperatly needs infrastructure development in order to spur growth in depressed areas and increase efficiency in places that already developed.

Yes, we must recognize good works by the government, but not allow that as an excuse for graft and corruption. Justice must be brought to those who illegally benefit from infrastructure funding.

However, we must not let our pursuit of justice hinder infrastructure projects that will eventually bring more benefit to our nation than the corruption it spurned. A national broadband network could've done wonders to communications development in the Philippines, but the piranhas of the senate overlooked this potential and instead pursued an irresponsible policy of character assasination and political soap operas.

The senate should have been more practical by allowing the project to progress while prudent, meaningful investigations were taking place.

A meaningful investigation could've involved summoning local and foreign experts on communications technology to assess whether this project was trully overpriced or not. This move would have certainly signaled to the EDUCATED public that an investigation was being conducted with the GENUINE PURSUIT of revealing wrongdoing.

instead what we get is a "HULABALOO AT THE SENATE"

The NBN-ZTE deal was a seperate development from southrail/northrail, but for some reason the opposition decided to involve all infrastructure developments.

I don't think anybody from the opposition really thinks about the positive developments that could come about with a fully functioning rail system running from MANILA TO NORTHERN LUZON. They don't think about the reduction of costs in transporting goods from farm/factory to market. They don't think about the businesses that can be lured around rail lines that can potentially create jobs and increase productivity in once struggling provinces.

These Senators DO NOT THINK ABOUT THESE POSSIBLE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS

WHY???????????????????????

BECAUSE IT SIMPLY DOESN'T FAVOR THEM. CERTAINLY, SENATORS MADRIGAL AND LACSON WON'T BENEFIT IF A SUPPLIER OF DRIED GOODS FROM LA UNION CAN SHIP GOODS TO MANILA FOR P500 INSTEAD P1000 WITH THE AID OF NORTHRAIL!

I Agree with you! these senators are more talks than work.. i havent seen any.. "any" flagshipship projects these senators have.. but more on politics!

mabuhay ang pangulo ng Filipinas! Mabuhay ka Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo! sa iyo nka salalay ang tagumpay ng tunay ng malayang Pilipinas!

blue_summit1

February 25th, 2008, 04:14 PM

Sh!t talaga si Lozada. Ano masaya na sila na naipatigil na nila ang ilan sa mga infrastructure projects ng gobyerno?

Correct me if I am wrong, wasn't the Northrail project also included in the list of projects put into a halt?

Ang alam ko, pati yung LRT 6 (LRT 1 extension to Cavite) and the LRT 2 extension up to Masinag, Antipolo are included in the list.

Tamaan na sana ng kidlat sina Lozada, Lacson, Cayetano at Madrigal. Mga anay sila ng progreso.

tama tama.!! walang silng ginawang tama.. puro pulitka! mga INGGITTTT!!
PGMA ssupportahan ka nmen!

manchowyin

February 25th, 2008, 04:14 PM

Suspended foreign-funded projects will be implemented with local funds - PGMA
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2008 | PROGRAMS/PROJECTS
http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=20192

Eleven official development assistance (ODA) funded projects which President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo suspended recently will be implemented with local funds.

The President issued this assurance over the weekend when she was interviewed by veteran radio program host Joe Taruc over dzRH.

Taruc noted that many people were worried that the big-ticket projects would not push through without the funding assistance from foreign funding agencies.

But the President said that with the country’s improved economy, the government has enough funds now to pursue the projects without having to secure foreign loans. “Tutuloy ang mga proyekto kasi umabot na nga tayo sa antas ng ekonomiya na hindi na talaga tayo kailangang umaasa lamang sa utang.” (The projects will push through because we have reached the point in our economy when we do not have to rely on loans.)

In previous years when the national budget was P900 billion, for instance, P700 billion of it comprised the revenues collected by the government, she said.

“Iyong 700 billion (pesos), nagkakasya lamang iyon sa suweldo, sa interest, at saka sa IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment). Wala ng perang naiiwan para sa imprastraktura at social services. Iyong 200 billion (pesos) na balance between 900 billion (pesos) spending and 700 billion,” the President said.

Given the inadequacy of resources to fund urgent infrastructure facilities, the government had to resort to foreign borrowings. “Kaya kung gagastos tayo, iyong dagdag na 200 billion (pesos), kailangan pa nating umutang,” she added.

“Pero ngayon, hindi. Kung meron tayong one trillion (pesos) budget, one trillion (pesos) din ang ating revenues. So hindi na tayo kailangang umutang,” (But now, for our one trillion budget, we have one trillion in revenues. We don't need to borrow) the President enthused.

Asked if the country is no longer dependent on foreign loans, the President replied: “Yes, hindi na tayo dependent. So meron na tayong choice kung mas mura ang particular project, puedeng pahabaan natin ang payment period para mas maraming magagastos na iba. Meron na tayong mga choices na ganun, pero hindi na tayo dependent. Kaya itong mga proyekto, basta ang importante, tuluy-tuloy pa rin…”

In his “The View from the Palace” column today in the Manila Bulletin, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said “it is important to note that the most important projects, e.g. Cyber Ed, will move ahead, but with local funding that we already have available.”

“Before, we had to fund our deficit with foreign loans but not anymore,” Bunye added.

He said that “for the first time in a generation, thanks to the fiscal reforms, we now have the money to fund our own infrastructure, health, education, and other social projects.”

The Palace official said that the President had instructed her economic team to sit down with the multi-lateral agencies which provide official development conditionalities in the event the government would need to tap loans.

“This really makes sense because right now, the US, Japan and China lending agencies have different (loan) availment procedures and conditions and these could be quite confusing,” Bunye said.

filcan

February 25th, 2008, 06:30 PM

^^very welcome news:cheers:

spearhead

February 26th, 2008, 12:38 AM

^^ The yard overlooking the Tayuman Sation Building.. Can you imagine guys if this station will be covered, it would like the Tutuban Old Station...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman1.jpg/800px-Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman1.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman2.jpg/800px-Philippine_National_Railways_Manila_Tayuman2.jpg

Sayang naman at di na yata sila mapapakinabangan.

el_dasik_oo1

February 26th, 2008, 04:07 AM

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 04:34 AM

So, what would be the speeds of Northrail and Southrail trains? What are also their frequencies of arrivals/departures from stations?

^^ Based on informations and internet resources about the project, the Northrail will operate and maintain a line whose maximum operating speed is 160km/h. Meaning, the designs of the tracks, level crossings and curves are in such a way that they will allow maximum persmisible speeds of 160km/h without giving uncomfortable rides with the passengers. I think by this speeds, only tilt trains can able to do that with comfort. But for starters, Northrail will inially operate at speeds of 80kph to 100kph for safety reason and while railway education is being taught in schools and other institution....

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 04:40 AM

Good morning ladies! What's happening here?

WoS: jog this morning.. Dun ulit ako sa dati kong ruta.. Did I mentioned in my earlier post about small diggings after the buendia station? Para pala yung sa mga halaman na tinanim ng mga makati engineering(ata). :lol: I haven't seen the other diggings (Before dumating ng Buendia station).

Some news on the Buendia, they just started rehabilitating the other side of that station. Floors are being raised so as the roofings. On the other side, they just started putting some chicken wires dun sa mga fences. I also noticed earlier that they are starting to fix/rehab the small bridge katapat ng cash and carry.. You won't notice the bridge unless you walk on that area.

^^ We'll this is an extremely nice effort. We really need this. This is how the Linkage Project would look like once done. Ok, I like those trees so much. Pretty much enjoyable ride soon once all those landscaping are done...:banana:

Yup, I knew that small bridge just before reaching the Buendia Station if you are going South. That's also another factor why until now we won't see any track works. Track works can only commence once those small bridges and the major bridge in Pandacan are finished. There are also small bridges between Blumentrit and Sta. Mesa Stations so they might also rehab those bridges before any majoy track works.

Nice work at the Buendia Station Indeed. We'll I expect tht they will finished it by end of March. I guess so...:)

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 04:43 AM

Sayang naman at di na yata sila mapapakinabangan.

^^ I don't think these trains will be wasted. The original plan of the government is aside from purchasing the Brand New DMUs, the old ones locopulled trains will also be put into operation but will undergo minor repair. This will greatly help thousands of passengers that PNR will serve.

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 06:49 AM

^^ Magallanes PNR Station from Nathan...

http://file.uploadr.com/fcc3-embed

http://file.uploadr.com/fcc4-embed

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 07:04 AM

Taken last Oct. 20, 2007 between Pasay and Buendia PNR Stations...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/1670962156_b7381186ee_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2202/1671046492_6d20fad607_o.jpg

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 07:07 AM

^^ Construction activities of Hanjin Construction Company taken by WoS in October 20, 2007 at the Buendia Station.. Look how flooring was raised to the desired level, ofcourse for passengers confort and provision for diabled.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/1671046520_e2af4bd864_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/1671046504_6fc9239568_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/1671046556_94d1b26065_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/1670224917_f72f7029eb_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/1670224933_e72acced7d_o.jpg

diz

February 26th, 2008, 07:10 AM

that's just wonderful! :cry: waah..

did they renovate the magellanes PNR station? It looks nice.

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 07:13 AM

^^ Some minor works at Pasay PNR Station dated October 20, 2007. Photo was taken by WoS....:) Feel free to use this photo for goodwill. Notice the tracks... There are actually 4 tracks present in this station, only 3 tracks (left) are visible the other one at the right was not in use anymore.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/1670962118_2dd760519b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1670962048_ae4ae16c4f_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1670962048_ae4ae16c4f_o.jpg

diz

February 26th, 2008, 07:16 AM

^^ Great job WoS! :)

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 07:22 AM

^^ Great job WoS! :)

^^ Censya na Diz, I've already posted this photos on NS Thread IV. I just want to repost it at least for those new here will get an idea how things are going at the Linkage Project. De pa me makapunta ng Maynila, if ever makakuha ulit me ng udates especially at Pandacan Stations, Pandacan Bridge and the Tayuman Depot. I expect that more things happend already at these sites. :)

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 07:27 AM

tama tama.!! walang silng ginawang tama.. puro pulitka! mga INGGITTTT!!
PGMA ssupportahan ka nmen!

^^ Si Lozada, taga rito sa amin.. Taga Ligao City, dati kami nagbibilyar when I was young sa negosyo nilang pabilyaran and unfortunately their house was demolished for the Market Site right of way. Although sikat sya ngayon, isa lang siguro na banner ang nakita ko rito calling to support him... he hehe... Nakadisplay sa may plaza... hmmmm..... Sa totoo lang, magaling sya pero hindi pinapansin ng mga tao dito ngayun ang patutsada nya... he he he... Im here in Ligao City now... Mayabang na rin kasi...

diz

February 26th, 2008, 07:41 AM

It's fine! I love watching the progress!

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 08:32 AM

^^ Same to map I previously posted..:)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/MetroManilaComplete.JPG

Lucentino

February 26th, 2008, 09:37 AM

^^Q: Bro. WoS, where did you get this? Why did they post several lines that are not existing?

Please note that below, it shows a (copyright) ©2005... was this published for publicity, and not for reference purposes?

alcogoodwin

February 26th, 2008, 09:52 AM

http://2bangkok.com/images/pasak02.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdnSwvgFs8o)

Hope this train is stationary.

Otherwise SPLAT :nuts:

alcogoodwin

February 26th, 2008, 09:55 AM

^^ Wow!!! Ok, let's gather then. We can show to the Northrail Corp. our goal and happiness with the project and they could give us copies and pictures of the construction. We can use this for our mega update in our thread and also for Philippine Historical Railway Site (alcogoodwin)..

I would certainly be very appreciative of any updates from your railway survey.
Just wish I was there to take part to.

Brad

diz

February 26th, 2008, 09:55 AM

alcogoodwin

February 26th, 2008, 10:00 AM

Yup, I knew that small bridge just before reaching the Buendia Station if you are going South. That's also another factor why until now we won't see any track works. Track works can only commence once those small bridges and the major bridge in Pandacan are finished.

If they are planning on lifting the Pandacan bridge they will have to cut services shortly.
The lifting will require a big rise in the approaching formations before traisn could use it again.
Wonder why they haven't just shut the lot down in order to make it much easier to complete the project? Does anyone get the worrying feeling they may now be doing this linkage project on the cheap?

Brad

alcogoodwin

February 26th, 2008, 10:10 AM

Howdee,
While doing the daily search I came across this recent blog posting with photos taken by someone living in the Phils.
http://dongism.blogspot.com/2008/02/rail-trade.html

Sat up late last night watching all the EDSA/People Power coverage on ANC! Much happening over there at the moment huh.

Brad

angelapleasant2008

February 26th, 2008, 10:42 AM

When is the Completion of both Northrail and Southrail?

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 12:26 PM

If they are planning on lifting the Pandacan bridge they will have to cut services shortly.
The lifting will require a big rise in the approaching formations before traisn could use it again.
Wonder why they haven't just shut the lot down in order to make it much easier to complete the project? Does anyone get the worrying feeling they may now be doing this linkage project on the cheap?

Brad

^^ Actually, I suspect that there will be no rise in the railroad with respect to the original grade. I think what they will do their is the reverse position of the beam. Supposed they will rise the whole grade, then the bridge approaches will also rise and affect the line grade several meters before the bridge approaches. Instead of the girder to be put below the railway, they will reorient the position in such a way that the girder or the beam will now be above the grade line. The same strength will be produced but there will be more space now underneath the bridge as the beam was now inplace above. Remember, it is only a steel bridge, any modification will be as simple as welding and rebolting it's body...

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 12:31 PM

When is the Completion of both Northrail and Southrail?

Northrail Phase 1 Section 1 (Caloocan to Malolos) - 2010
Northrail Phase 1 Section 2 (Malolos to Angeles to Clark Spur Line) - 2011
Linkage Project Phase 1 (Caloocan/Tayuman to Alabang) - July 2008 ???
Linkage Project Phase 2 (Alabang to Calamba) - 2009
Southrail Phase 1 Section A (Calamba to Lucena) - 2009 ???

??? Questionable since until now no clear indication whether or not the project is already in full swing or has been delayed due to some circumstances, but the relocation continues as government counterpart (project starter).

wheel of steel

February 26th, 2008, 12:32 PM

Hope this train is stationary.

Otherwise SPLAT :nuts:

he he he... Can we also have a stionary photo of PNR Train above the Pandacan Bridge. If do so, I imagine that we have a very pleasant view from there....:lol::lol::lol:

alcogoodwin

February 27th, 2008, 02:23 AM

he he he... Can we also have a stionary photo of PNR Train above the Pandacan Bridge. If do so, I imagine that we have a very pleasant view from there....:lol::lol::lol:

I got some shots of trains on this bridge during the last trip. None came out to well sadly, so I am hoping to return there on a more cloudy day on the next visit.
Does make a great shot, although the view of the river beyond is spoilt by that pipe.

Brad

el_dasik_oo1

February 27th, 2008, 02:36 AM

Good day ladies!

Yesterday, I had a chance to explore other areas beyond Buendia and Pasay road(sidenote: there are a bit progress on this station. I manage to take a quick look on it. Medyo nagalangan lang ako tumingin ng matagal kasi naka-taxi ako. Baka isipin nung driver, kung ano yung tinitignan ko. haha) station. man, there are other on-going construction/rehabilitation along the South SuperHighway. The Vito Cruz station is on rehab right now. There are some on-going construction/s near the corner of SSH and Quirino Avenue. I was not able to take pics on those sites since I was busy talking to the driver and their plight as a taxi driver(hehe drama.). :D

el_dasik_oo1

February 27th, 2008, 02:39 AM

Status of the Stations:
Tayuman - Under heavy rehabilitation
Blumentritt - Construction of the Station by March
Laon-Laan - Might be posponed due to the remaining elite squatters. Once cleared, they will replaced the Station with the new one.
Espanya - Repair of the Station soon
Sta. Mesa - Repair of the Station soon plus parking area.
Pandacan Bridge - Currently under rehabilitation
Pandacan - Construction of New Station underway
Paco - Construction of New Station soon
Vito Cruz - Repair of the Station underway
Buendia - Under repair of the station underway
Pasay - Under repair of the station underway
Magallanes - Minor repair of the station soon
Bicutan - Construction of the New Station soon..

Caloocan to Blumentritt - Relocation underway...
Bicutan to Calamba - Relocation is underway...

:D

el_dasik_oo1

February 27th, 2008, 02:44 AM

^^ We'll this is an extremely nice effort. We really need this. This is how the Linkage Project would look like once done. Ok, I like those trees so much. Pretty much enjoyable ride soon once all those landscaping are done...:banana:

yep, though I thought it(diggings) will be for the fences. hehe

Yup, I knew that small bridge just before reaching the Buendia Station if you are going South. That's also another factor why until now we won't see any track works. Track works can only commence once those small bridges and the major bridge in Pandacan are finished. There are also small bridges between Blumentrit and Sta. Mesa Stations so they might also rehab those bridges before any majoy track works.

Nice work at the Buendia Station Indeed. We'll I expect tht they will finished it by end of March. I guess so...:)

During my jogging yesterday, I was able to see up close and personal with Engine 909(If I remember it right). Nagulat ako kasi pagtingin ko sa kaliwa, andun siya at nakatigil. Maybe waiting for those cars to pass by. :lol:

pi_malejana

February 27th, 2008, 05:51 AM

During my jogging yesterday, I was able to see up close and personal with Engine 909(If I remember it right). Nagulat ako kasi pagtingin ko sa kaliwa, andun siya at nakatigil. Maybe waiting for those cars to pass by. :lol:

^^ lol... may ganyan din dito pero malapit lang kasi sa station yung crossing kaya sadyan huminto ung tren.. pero AFAIK mga tren ang may priority hindi cars..:nuts:

el_dasik_oo1

February 27th, 2008, 07:14 AM

^^meron din kasi nakalagay na sign na "Huminto" so I guess no choice but to stop. :lol:

manchowyin

February 28th, 2008, 04:04 AM

Monitoring history
Cerge M. Remonde
Manila Bulletin
http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20080228118126.html (http://www.mb.com.ph/OPED20080228118126.html)

We are pleased with the high level of public interest in government infrastructure projects, and their close monitoring of the implementation.

At the Pro-Performance Steering Committee (PSC), we have the government’s implementing agencies working closely with our monitoring partners – media, business, NGOs, the church, academe, youth – towards the seamless implementation of complex infrastructure projects. These major projects, when fully operational, will change the economic and social landscape in the countryside and in our major logistics hubs.

This level of interest should lead to a broader monitoring base, broad as it already is, to include every Juan dela Cruz with a phone camera and MMS.

Monitoring as presently structured goes back to EO 376 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1989. At that time, it was known as the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) whose objectives were primarily to expedite project implementation and devolve project facilitation, problem-solving, monitoring and evaluation to the regions and subregional levels, particularly to the provincial and municipal levels. NEDA or the National Economic Development Authority was at the core of this system, as the Secretariat of the Project Monitoring Committee.

More specifically, the RPMES was to provide up-to-date information on the overall status of project implementation for planning and budget allocation, to include employment generation of the various programs/projects expressed in man-days; identify problems/issues which impede project implementation for remedial actions at the regional and sub-regional levels and to elevate unresolved issues and problems at these levels to the Cabinet or the President for resolution and final action; integrate all monitoring activities in the region; assess and ascertain whether projects implemented are supportive of regional development goals and plans as well as national development thrusts and priorities; provide information on lessons learned in project implementation for planning and implementation of future similar project; provide a venue for greater participation of non-government organizations (NGOs) in the development planning process.

These objectives are carried through to the present monitoring system, with some significant enhancements.

The then RPMES, like the current PSC, monitored and evaluated all development projects (economic, social, infrastructure and other development projects) at the regional, provincial, city and municipal levels. These development projects were to be funded from national government and locally-generated resources.

Under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the monitoring system was restructured and reengineered under EO 564, even while project implementation was bolstered under EO 561, with the Formation of the Super Regions and the designation of the Superregional Development Champions.

In order to maintain focus on infra development, the country was divided into the following super regions: a) Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ), composed of Regions I, II, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the northern part of the provinces of Aurora (north of Baler), Tarlac (north of Tarlac City), Nueva Ecija (north of Cabanatuan City), and Zambales (north of Subic); b) Luzon Urban Beltway, composed of the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A, the provinces of Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, Mindoro, Marinduque, and the southern parts of the provinces of Tarlac, Zambales, Aurora and Nueva Ecija; c) Central Philippines, composed of Regions V, VI, VII, and VIII, and the provinces of Romblon, Palawan, and Camiguin, and the Island of Siargao; d) Agribusiness Mindanao, composed of Regions IX, X except Camigiun, XI, XII, Caraga except Siargao, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; and e) Cyber Corridor, which traverses the above super regions from Baguio to Cebu to Davao.

Under EO 561, the super regions have development themes: NLAQ for Agribusiness; the Luzon Urban Beltway for a Globally competitive industrial and service center; the Central Philippines for Tourism; Mindanao for Agribusiness; and the Cyber Corridor as the Information and communication technology and knowledge economy.

Each "super" region has a designated Development Champion whose mandate is to serve as catalyst for development and as prime advocate of the strategic development theme in his area. He ensures the implementation of the priority programs and projects identified in the 2006 State-of-the-Nation Address and the MTPIP, in close collaboration with the concerned local government units, national agencies and other partners in development, and undertake the necessary interventions to help ensure that these are completed on time and at a lowest cost to government. They also work out operational policies and remedial actions to ensure that the priority programs and projects are completed on schedule and at the lowest cost to government.

Anyone, and I mean everyone, who is genuinely concerned over cost and implementation of major or all government projects, we invite them to be our citizen monitors. Your participation in PPS is your assurance that all projects are done right and proper.

dancethingy

February 28th, 2008, 06:58 AM

^^ That's great!

wheel of steel

February 28th, 2008, 08:11 AM

dancethingy

February 28th, 2008, 08:41 AM

^^ God Bless You!

diz

February 28th, 2008, 09:21 AM

^^ may nag-sneeze ba??

sorry... corny pills ni @kiretoce.. :D
-----
thanks for the update, very exciting!!

manchowyin

February 28th, 2008, 03:56 PM

Yeah, thanks for the update!

leechtat

February 28th, 2008, 04:18 PM

Thanks for the update @wheelofsteel.. i am glad this very important project is not halted by the political idiosyncrasies as of yet.

kiretoce

February 28th, 2008, 05:42 PM

Railway link may spur growth in Mindanao (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics4_feb29_2008)

Mindanao will no longer be a “land of promise” but a center of socio-economic development, Speaker Prospero Nograles said yesterday.

“We have to establish parity in national development,” said Nograles, the first elected speaker of the House of Representatives from Mindanao.

He said that he fully supports the clamor to establish the Mindanao Railway System that would link the island’s rural and urban areas as well as provide for effective movement of people, goods and services.

While the MRS aims to establish an efficient, reliable, safe, affordable and viable transportation system within Mindanao.

The establishment of MRS is contained in House Bill 1246, principally authored by Camiguin Rep. Pedro Romualdo.

The proposed measure is now a priority item of the committee on transportation headed by Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, the proposed MRS.

“Mindanao congressmen will not allow that there will be another railway that will be built in the Philippines that is not in Mindanao,” stressed Nograles.

He likewise unveiled his leadership’s social reform agenda which seeks to protect the environment, people’s cultural diversity, health, and promote mobility to ensure a globally competitive and productive manpower.

The Davao lawmaker likewise cited the need for legislative support to institutionalize our human and resource development programs.

Among the social reform measures identified as priority under the present House dispensation are: The creation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (HBs 823, 2347 and 2379); Land Administration Reform (HBs 21, 171, 932, 1102, 1310, 1650, 2122, 2660 and 2930) now nearing final consolidation in committee); Repeal of the Agri-Agra Law (HB 33 and 3163) now pending in committee; the proposed Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Management Act (HB 2314, 2806 and 817) awaiting committee deliberation; The Responsible Parenthood and Population Management Act (HB 17) now being considered by the committee on health; and the proposed amendments to the GASTPE Law (HB 95, 320, 1368, 2274 and 3431) still under consideration by the committee on basic education and culture.

Another vital reform that promotes agricultural productivity is HB 32 (and three other similar bills now for consolidation at the committee level).”

“Our present CARP Law is self-defeating. Farmers give up their lands because they have no capital for seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs,” the authors said.

Still to be scheduled for committee deliberation is the proposed creation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed under HBs 336, 402, 429, 2473 and 2698.

alcogoodwin

February 28th, 2008, 11:12 PM

^^Status of the PNR Stations as of 02-28-2008

Tayuman - Under heavy rehabilitation
Blumentritt - Construction of the Station by March
Laon-Laan - Might be posponed due to the remaining elite squatters. Once cleared, they will replaced the Station with the new one.
Espanya - Repair of the Station soon
Sta. Mesa - Repair of the Station soon plus parking area.
Pandacan Bridge - Currently under rehabilitation
Pandacan - Construction of New Station underway
Paco - Construction of New Station underway
Vito Cruz - Repair of the Station underway
Buendia - Under repair of the station underway
Pasay - Under repair of the station underway
Magallanes - Minor repair of the station soon
Bicutan - Construction of the New Station soon..

Caloocan to Blumentritt - Relocation underway...
Bicutan to Calamba - Relocation is underway...

It is interesting to see that the linkage project will see the original flavour of the stations retained with just some improvements and perhaps a little modernisation. Although one or two are being almost totally rebuilt.
When Northrail, and presumably Southrail, are rebuilt they will have immensely different and modern looking stations which will be in stark contrast to the section of line linking the two.
Although I do hope some of those impressive Southrail stations are kept intact and just fixed up.

Brad

dinabaw

February 29th, 2008, 03:16 AM

ph_matrix

February 29th, 2008, 05:55 AM

^^ bilib ako sa kanya pang matuloy yan... :)

IndioBravo

February 29th, 2008, 09:11 PM

Is there any station (future or present ) that will be built in Tagaytay?

alcogoodwin

March 1st, 2008, 12:52 AM

Is there any station (future or present ) that will be built in Tagaytay?

Not that I am aware of, no railway line actually goes there.

Brad

manchowyin

March 1st, 2008, 04:16 AM

Great if he is able to pull it off. It depends on whether others will cooperate, or try to pull him down. Let's hope this project succeeds.

bariQ

March 1st, 2008, 10:33 PM

feeling ko talaga matatagalan pa yan.. wag naman sana *makes sign of the cross*

kase ang perception sa atin, yung bigatin projects ay para lang sa mga developed or almost developed parts of the country... which is NCR and its surroudings...

spurring growth through big projects was not actually a priority before sa ating bansa... sana ito na nga :D

icarusrising

March 3rd, 2008, 10:12 AM

Davao Region railway feasibility study pushed for completion within the year

The Business World

DAVAO CITY — The vice-chairman of the regional development council in the Davao Region expects the feasibility study for a Davao Region railway system to be finished this year.

Nicasio Angelo Agustin, also regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority, said the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) was tasked to commission the feasibility study for a 100 kilometer-long railway system that will connect Davao del Sur, passing by Davao City, to Davao del Norte.

The Davao railway system was proposed in late ’90s by a Japanese consultant who drafted a long-term infrastructure program for the region which also includes a bridge connecting this city to the Island Garden City of Samal. DIDP is a development strategy to be executed by the local governments of Davao City and the provinces of Davao, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario heads the program. "Hopefully the feasibility study will finish [sic] in one year and we can start the process of evaluation next year," he said, adding that evaluation of the project could take one to four years.

Financing

Mr. Agustin said a Chinese company has already informed the council of its interest to bankroll the project, but the body has yet to decide what financing scheme to follow, whether build-operate-transfer, joint venture, or primarily private investment.

DIDP signed on Dec. 19 last year a memorandum of agreement with the Mindanao Business Council and the MCC Capital, a London-based financing agency, to conduct the feasibility study.

Earlier, House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles said the Mindanao railway system, a separate project, will be one of his priority projects, adding that while he could not guarantee the ambitious project will be realized, "I will give it my best shot." He said Mindanao representatives had signed a resolution to make the system a priority.

While the Davao railways system was proposed by Japanese consultants in late ’90s, the Mindanao railway system was proposed by Mindanao leaders in early ’90s.

During the 15th Senior Officials Meeting of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) in October of last year, Faisal Kasim, MCC chief executive officer, discussed the project with the BIMP-EAGA Business Council Chairman Antonio R. Santos, Jr. and Mindanao Business Council Chairman Vicente T. Lao.

Mr. Kasim, Mr. Santos said, had proposed a joint-venture arrangement despite Davao businessmen’s preference for a built-operate-transfer scheme. Under Mr. Kasim’s proposal, local government units hosting and benefitting from the project will shoulder 60% of costs to build the railway system, while MCC will pay for the remaining 40%. — J. B. Escovilla

--------------------

Story Location: http://www.bworldonline.com/BW030308/content.php?id=055

bustero

March 3rd, 2008, 06:02 PM

Is there any station (future or present ) that will be built in Tagaytay?

Line 6 , the cavite lrt extension is supposed to have a 2nd phase till dasmarinas and 3rd phase to tagaytay, this is still the plan but no real time table so at this point the probability is still very small that it will be built even in the medium term.

alcogoodwin

March 3rd, 2008, 08:48 PM

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:29:00 03/03/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate blue ribbon committee has yet to investigate the $932-million South Railway (SouthRail) project despite calls from at least four senators to do so following Rodolfo Lozada Jr.’s allegation that the project was overpriced because of kickbacks.

“One witness does not make one investigation. In SouthRail, yes, we have a witness in Mr. Lozada, but what will he say and where it will lead to is the burden of the committee,” said Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the blue ribbon committee, the lead panel investigating the canceled $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with ZTE Corp.

Among the senators calling for a probe of the SouthRail project are Panfilo Lacson, Manuel Roxas II, Jamby Madrigal and Rodolfo Biazon.

In his first testimony on the NBN-ZTE deal in the Senate on Feb. 8, Lozada said that a certain Anthony Huang and a “Mr. Mallari” were the “Abalos” of the SouthRail project, which he said was overpriced by at least 22 percent.

Lozada was referring to former Commission on Elections Chair Benjamin Abalos Sr., who was said to have brokered the NBN-ZTE deal and demanded $130 million in kickbacks for his group, which allegedly included President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel Arroyo.

Abalos has denied the allegations against him.

Lozada, who was tapped as consultant to the SouthRail project by former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri, said Huang and Mallari had assured him that “they would take care of the Palace.”

Businessman Jose “Joey” de Venecia III Sunday night denied involvement in the allegedly overpriced SouthRail project.

“I don’t know anything about SouthRail. ZTE was the only one I was involved in,” said De Venecia, who blew the whistle on the allegedly anomalous NBN-ZTE deal.

De Venecia said he didn’t know anybody by the name of Anthony Wang or Huang who, fellow whistle-blower Lozada said, had brokered the SouthRail project.

“That’s a very common name. I don’t know anything about that,” he said when told about an audiotape of a conversation, which is being circulated in media circles, in which he supposedly told a certain Edmund that he would sign as Anthony Wang or Huang in one project.

In the audiotape, De Venecia purportedly said: “But using my signature. Anthony Wang [or Huang] would be my signature.”

“I don’t know any Wang, so what can I say?” De Venecia said when reached for comment Sunday night.

De Venecia told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) that the “better person who can answer that is Jun. Jun would probably know that since he had mentioned handling the ZTE and the SouthRail projects.”

In parrying calls to investigate SouthRail, Cayetano took a dig at his colleagues’ penchant for calling an investigation on a whim.

“One senator who reads something in the paper or with just one witness immediately files a resolution for an investigation but the burden of following it up or to conclude it is left with the chairman and the staff of that committee. Everybody helps but it is not that simple,” said Cayetano in an interview aired over dzBB radio.

Stonewalling

In a text message, Madrigal was irked by Cayetano’s stonewalling.

“It is imperative that the Senate [investigate] this. It is not the number of witnesses that makes a Senate investigation credible. It is the quality of the witnesses’ testimony,” Madrigal said.

She noted that the NBN probe was triggered by the testimony of Joey de Venecia while the “Hello Garci” wiretapping scandal was reopened last year with the appearance of former intelligence agent Vidal Doble in the Senate.

MOU signed

Sen. Rodolfo Biazon has also called for a parallel investigation of SouthRail and North Luzon Railways Corp. as both projects have been cited in the NBN probe as among the deals tainted with corruption.

Roxas filed Senate Resolution No. 239 on Feb. 11 seeking a probe of SouthRail.

Although the Philippine National Railways has denied that the project had been bid out, Roxas noted that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and China’s Ministry of Commerce had already signed a memorandum of understanding to finance the 558-kilometer railway from Calamba, Laguna, to Matnog, Sorsogon, through the Export-Import Bank of China.

In his own resolution seeking a similar probe, Lacson said: “Numerous anomalous procurement deals have become a common occurrence in this administration wherein government officials blatantly disregard the rule of law just to further their pecuniary interests.”

Even if other Senate committees took the lead in the SouthRail probe, it would still have to go through the blue ribbon committee because it involves corruption and malfeasance, according to Cayetano.

Cayetano said other committees might not be able to do their jobs considering that “the blue ribbon has a high profile not only because its investigations are covered by media but also because [SouthRail] involves billions of pesos and secretaries or high public officials.”

“If we do it every day, the other work of the Senate might stop,” he said.

queetz@home

March 4th, 2008, 01:22 AM

^^^^ Alan Peter Cayetano is from Taguig and if the North Rail/South Rail projects are cancelled, it would mean the BGC won't have any rail link at all. Once that development fills up, the traffic would be horrendous. Its already pretty bad as it is today and much of it is still vacant land. So perhaps a little bit of hometown parochialism is happening, which may actually signal hope that these rail projects won't be delayed. One can dream right...:shifty:

manchowyin

March 4th, 2008, 05:11 AM

Hope you're right, man!

alcogoodwin

March 5th, 2008, 09:58 AM

I am sure we can rely on them to do what suits their own personal interests most :ohno:

alcogoodwin

March 7th, 2008, 07:21 AM

KNOCK KNOCK

Anyone home? Its awfully quiet here.

manchowyin

March 7th, 2008, 05:02 PM

The circus in the Senate has commandeered the front pages of most Philippine newspapers, which should actually be reclassified into opinion pages. Hope someone posts some shots soon.

jafiti

March 8th, 2008, 10:42 AM

Hi All,

Please visit the following blogs and view the current work being done by Hanjin.

http://blog.rihspi.org

and

http://lagunarailways.rihspi.org

Jaime

manchowyin

March 8th, 2008, 01:30 PM

At long last! I am sure everyone in this thread welcomes you and your posts and blogs. Thanks! :):):)

barrera_marquez

March 8th, 2008, 03:07 PM

Let me give you a story about my ride to the Southrail this morning.

First of all, what I noticed to the Southrail was that, when you depart from the Tutuban station, there are only a handful of passengers, most of them using the buses. However, as the train continues its journey, the passengers, continue to increase until we are full before we reach Buendia station.

Stations, wow, you won't notice that they are stations in the first place, why? People already made them houses and they are simply platforms, no roofs, chairs are still there but dirty, the surroundings, it is awful.

My biggest problem- squatters, they will make your journey dangerous aside from the rail condition. They will throw at you stones, lucky if that's all. You are unlucky if they will spit at you! I have suffered one.

The rail condition, this makes the journey nervous, the train is very noisy and the worst, the rails are already loose! Image derailing in the middle of your journey.

The coaches do not have electricity and the light bulbs are either stolen or destroyed. Ventilation relies on the air outside.

On the stations under construction, the train still stops there but you must step on the bricks, some with wet cement, to enter the train.

The train, is very slow. How slow? The Hyundai Aero of Victory Liner is faster, more than twice.

Well, the bridges, especially on Pasig River is very dangerous. They must replace it as soon as possible.

The line uses only one rail, even if there it is a dual-track configuration.

Sands and gravel and several construction works can be seen. That is the only good news here.

The fare? It is just like the old North Luzon Expressway, P16 for Alabang. I was surprised. Image, how can you maintain a rail network with that fare?

Conclusion: If you see how our expressways are in par with the world (yeah, the new North Luzon Expressway), that is how bad our rail systems are. We really need rehabilitation for this once and for all and as soon as possible.

Suggestion: If you want to keep Jun Lozada from blowing the whistle, put the entire Northrail and Southrail under BOT. That will prevent corruption and whistle blowers plus, as far as I know, the private sector can put our rail systems in par with the best in the world.

LuckyEd13

March 8th, 2008, 06:38 PM

Suggestion: If you want to keep Jun Lozada from blowing the whistle, put the entire Northrail and Southrail under BOT. That will prevent corruption and whistle blowers plus, as far as I know, the private sector can put our rail systems in par with the best in the world.

The private sector are notorious for building overbudget infrustructure, especially trains, look at MRT and LRT2, their fares are subsidized by the government because the government is not willing to increase the fares. In the end, its still the taxpayers that shoulder the project.

lochinvar

March 8th, 2008, 08:26 PM

"The private sector are notorious for building overbudget infrustructure, especially trains, look at MRT and LRT2, their fares are subsidized by the government because the government is not willing to increase the fares. In the end, its still the taxpayers that shoulder the project."

Why build when you can't charge? Why do the government subsidize when they can't build?

barrera_marquez

March 9th, 2008, 12:06 AM

At least they could finish these projects fast.

However, if that is really the case, hope that a company like Manila North Tollways Corporation will handle this since they never abused their powers in NLEx even the toll fees are a lot higher than in the past. (quality really does come in a price.)

It is really yucky to be spit. I can't image that they can do it. By the way, the passengers told me that a toddler did it. Not to mention somebody board the train just to throw stones at us and then go down.

"The private sector are notorious for building overbudget infrustructure, especially trains, look at MRT and LRT2, their fares are subsidized by the government because the government is not willing to increase the fares. In the end, its still the taxpayers that shoulder the project."

Why build when you can't charge? Why do the government subsidize when they can't build?

Iyan ang sinasabi ko sa lampposts sa Cebu City. Sino ba naman ang magkaka-interes na i-maintain iyan e wala namang kumikita diyan. Siguro iyong electric company pero hindi naman sila ang may ari niyan. Talagang pababayaan nga unlike siguro nga sa MRT na nagkakaroon pa ng singilan.

By the way, LRT2 is government that will be sold to the private sector.

wheel of steel

March 10th, 2008, 11:41 AM

^^ Wow!!! Nice updates..,. thanks I really like those shots...:banana:

wheel of steel

March 10th, 2008, 11:48 AM

From http://lagunarailways.rihspi.org/

http://bp1.blogger.com/_hac0Jx4d5lY/R9JK9-0-ygI/AAAAAAAAAlU/zvmhqUJ-40k/s400/Image093.jpg

http://bp1.blogger.com/_hac0Jx4d5lY/R9JKf-0-yfI/AAAAAAAAAlM/EP5gruLvnD4/s400/Image094.jpg

http://bp2.blogger.com/_hac0Jx4d5lY/R9JLYO0-yhI/AAAAAAAAAlc/kz5HChxay7A/s400/Image095.jpg

http://bp2.blogger.com/_hac0Jx4d5lY/R9JJ5O0-yeI/AAAAAAAAAlE/DpSSOk5gKbA/s400/Image110.jpg

The picture tells us clearly that they will replace the steel rails with the heavier ones 50kg once they put in place these old tracks... Tampering will follows after the 50kg rails is installed. Here in the pictures, they are cleaning and putting some ballast... But in sections from Caloocan to Espanya, all the old tracks will with the new one including the 50kg rails, new ties and new ballast in a regraded right of way...

barrera_marquez

March 10th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Another good news, yung sa Caloocan City at Malabon City segment ng Northrail, natabunan na ng bato, lalagyan na lang ng riles. Last month ko ito nakita pero ewan ko, basag kasi digital camera ko ngayon. Kung magkaroon ako ng cellphone baka ipakita ko sa inyo. Ewan ko lang yung sa Valenzuela City at bandang Bulacan. Sana abot na ng Pampanga ito lalo na sa San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Nice to see that this project is going ahead nice!

Anyway, may nakuha akong picture sa Flickr na computer generated na larawan ng Northrail na DMU trains, parang sa Australia. GO NORTHRAIL! Hindi na ako sa wakas magtitiis ng mahabang paglalakbay sa San Fernando City o Cabanatuan City.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1001/1308896314_47de36eafb_o.jpg

bustero

March 10th, 2008, 04:57 PM

pi_malejana

March 10th, 2008, 08:39 PM

ang ganda na nung mga riles ah..:banana:

el_dasik_oo1

March 11th, 2008, 02:37 AM

barrera_marquez

March 11th, 2008, 11:34 AM

^^That looks like a traditional locomotive pulling passengers cars rather than a DMU, are you sure this is the Rotem (?) DMU trainset that is coming here. The 3 cars per trainset are supposed to look the same from what I know.

I just searched Google Images about Northrail and the picture's caption states that it is a DMU. That's not my fault but still, sorry for that, I didn't noticed it.

queetz@home

March 11th, 2008, 12:15 PM

manchowyin

March 11th, 2008, 02:30 PM

Yeah! Agree 100%.

leechtat

March 11th, 2008, 03:04 PM

^^ i have also watched it. i second the motion!

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 01:50 AM

From
The picture tells us clearly that they will replace the steel rails with the heavier ones 50kg once they put in place these old tracks... Tampering will follows after the 50kg rails is installed. Here in the pictures, they are cleaning and putting some ballast... But in sections from Caloocan to Espanya, all the old tracks will with the new one including the 50kg rails, new ties and new ballast in a regraded right of way...

G'day Wheels,
Not sure I follow this. Arew you saying they are putting the old rails back into place then replacing the rail?
The whole project seems to be getting done in a very piecemeal way at the moment and, I hate to say it, but it looks to be all getting done a little on the cheap compared to Northrail.
Seems little is actually getting done to make the ROW much better, certainly not much beyond what John Holland did in the first place. It looks good now, but those early rebuild photos didn't look to dissimilar the last time round.
Did expect a little more from the whole project, lets hope the linkage section does not end up being the weak link in the Northrail and Southrail projects.
I hope to get one day of free time next year to have a quick look over the railways again. Time is fast filling up with family and business things instead of hobby :-(

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 01:55 AM

^^That looks like a traditional locomotive pulling passengers cars rather than a DMU, are you sure this is the Rotem (?) DMU trainset that is coming here. The 3 cars per trainset are supposed to look the same from what I know.

Yeah I brought this up in the past, it certainly isn't an actual DMU design.
However we have had similar in Australia often clumped in with what was consdiered a railcar.

http://www.railmotorsociety.org.au/images/rmslf12.jpg

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 01:57 AM

He definitely has some hatred towards these rail projects and somebody should put that old fart out of his misery before he destroys everything we are hoping to be built... :nuts:

Probably because, like so many others, he can't take credit for one of the greatest projects ever.

Ain't jealousy a curse :lol:

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 02:36 AM

Morning fellow PNR fans,
Just took a quick look to see if the PNR website has been updated lately (well miracles sometime happen) and noticed they have deactivated many of the links, especially those showing projects and proposed costings.
Is it by coincidence that this is the info continually brought up in the corruption rubbish?????????

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

le Reine

March 12th, 2008, 08:13 AM

Just flipping channels in TV and accidentally went to the Opposition Propoganda channel that is ANC before reaching my beloved Bloomberg and oh my! Senator Biazon has once again dragged the North Rail/South Rail into the current NBN/ZTE dealings. This time, he is questioning Trade Secretary Favila why the North Rail is so expensive, saying that it should only cost 100 million dollars or something like that, anything above that is overprice. That guy is such an idiot! He obviously has absolutely no knowledge on how rail way costs are computed. They are technically complicated for a reason and you need to have lots of data, knowledge and even an engineering degree to be involved in such projects, something Senator Biazon has absolutely nothing off. He definitely has some hatred towards these rail projects and somebody should put that old fart out of his misery before he destroys everything we are hoping to be built... :nuts:hahahaha... :bow: I really love this comment. $100M for a modern railway? hahahaha... san kaya natin mabibili yan? :lol::rofl:

Morning fellow PNR fans,
Just took a quick look to see if the PNR website has been updated lately (well miracles sometime happen) and noticed they have deactivated many of the links, especially those showing projects and proposed costings.
Is it by coincidence that this is the info continually brought up in the corruption rubbish?????????
HmmmmmmmmmmmI think that is a good thing. They are updating the website and hopefully, they would input infos asap. The last time I visited the website, it only contained rubbish and don't have anything to do with northrail and linkage project.

wheel of steel

March 12th, 2008, 11:00 AM

le Reine

March 12th, 2008, 11:04 AM

wheel of steel

March 12th, 2008, 11:04 AM

wheel of steel

March 12th, 2008, 11:09 AM

WoS: Long time no post pare.. medyo matagal ka din nawala ah.. San yung mga pics na yan? Paco? It seems kulang yung station list mo. Last sunday I made some scouting sa Buendia to San Andres area (Walking for more than 30 mins and covering more than a kilometer of road.. I guess hehe). On the Buendia area, I guess we made wrong assumptions or conclusions kasi there are no diggings before the buendia station. Yun pala kiniclear nila yung tracks of unwanted stuff.. hehe. Eto pa medyo malaki.. I'm 80-90 percent sure that they are building a new station in San Andres. :D

BTW, I have some pic updates but I might post it this coming weekend. Nasa cellphone pa kasi yung mga pictures. Right now, I have no way to transfer it to my pc.

Wow!!! Nice naman kung ganun...We'll hope you could provide us with the latest from Buendia. It wort the effort. I can say that 90 percent probability that they will put extra tracks there. We'll at least 3 tracks running from Tayuman to Alabang or CAloocan is enough to simultaenously operate container and passenger trains...

Wow!!! Again nice for the new San Andres PNR STation!!!:banana:

wheel of steel

March 12th, 2008, 11:13 AM

Just flipping channels in TV and accidentally went to the Opposition Propoganda channel that is ANC before reaching my beloved Bloomberg and oh my! Senator Biazon has once again dragged the North Rail/South Rail into the current NBN/ZTE dealings. This time, he is questioning Trade Secretary Favila why the North Rail is so expensive, saying that it should only cost 100 million dollars or something like that, anything above that is overprice. That guy is such an idiot! He obviously has absolutely no knowledge on how rail way costs are computed. They are technically complicated for a reason and you need to have lots of data, knowledge and even an engineering degree to be involved in such projects, something Senator Biazon has absolutely nothing off. He definitely has some hatred towards these rail projects and somebody should put that old fart out of his misery before he destroys everything we are hoping to be built... :nuts:

^^ Northrail Phase 1 and PNR Cagayan Railways (PNR line to Cagayan) is the gateway of all railways going to North and Cagayan Valley Procvinces and also the only express rail connection to the country's future best international airport. Of course it is a brand new and it's quite expensive compared to rehab of Nortrail and Southrail Link. No more debate!!!...:cheers:

wheel of steel

March 12th, 2008, 11:20 AM

G'day Wheels,
Not sure I follow this. Arew you saying they are putting the old rails back into place then replacing the rail?
The whole project seems to be getting done in a very piecemeal way at the moment and, I hate to say it, but it looks to be all getting done a little on the cheap compared to Northrail.
Seems little is actually getting done to make the ROW much better, certainly not much beyond what John Holland did in the first place. It looks good now, but those early rebuild photos didn't look to dissimilar the last time round.
Did expect a little more from the whole project, lets hope the linkage section does not end up being the weak link in the Northrail and Southrail projects.
I hope to get one day of free time next year to have a quick look over the railways again. Time is fast filling up with family and business things instead of hobby :-(

Brad

Hi Brad...

Sorry for being absent here... he he he...

We'll the clearing of the ROW was left already for the MMDA. I've heard news here that they are going to make a landscape for those spaces of PNR actually not being used like the sides of the railroad.

As we can see on the photo update, I guess they are doing this first thing since it is easy for the replacement of rails once the ballast and the whole old tracks was cleared from muds, earth rocks and other unwanted debris. Then the new 50kg/rail will be installed and realigned to tampering machine that provides greatest accuracy.:)

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 10:10 PM

I think that is a good thing. They are updating the website and hopefully, they would input infos asap. The last time I visited the website, it only contained rubbish and don't have anything to do with northrail and linkage project.

Have since found out that the sections do still work but for some reason only on 'Internet Explorer' and not 'Netscape' or other browsers.
Very strange, didn't know this could occur.
Seems we are back to the original situation with the website not seeing an update since the day it was built :-(

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 10:24 PM

^^ Gud day guys!!! Sorry for not being here for the last several days.. First of all, my pamangkin was died of abdomen complication. Second I brought my wife to hospital and spend several days and nights there. Lastly, Im getting some problems in my internet communication again... :ohno:

But Im very glad that there was already photo update of the construction.. I love it so much. Thank you so much Laguna Railways dot com... :):):)

Hi Wheels,
Mate I am terribly sorry to hear all this, hope things are on the improve now.
What is 'pamangkin'? This is a Tagalog word I have not come across before.

Hasn't been the best week for me either. Was on the way to work on Tuesday when I had a major fall. Have injured both shoulders and arms bad, while an Xray today shall likely confirm I have broken the left knee that is to painful to walk on.
Why did it happen? Some careless twit left a loop of rubbish wire on the side of the road.
Sadly broken knee = no Philippines next year :ohno: AGAIN!!

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 12th, 2008, 10:30 PM

Hi Brad...

Sorry for being absent here... he he he...

We'll the clearing of the ROW was left already for the MMDA. I've heard news here that they are going to make a landscape for those spaces of PNR actually not being used like the sides of the railroad.

As we can see on the photo update, I guess they are doing this first thing since it is easy for the replacement of rails once the ballast and the whole old tracks was cleared from muds, earth rocks and other unwanted debris. Then the new 50kg/rail will be installed and realigned to tampering machine that provides greatest accuracy.:)

No apologies needed mate, you have had more important things to worry about.

I had hoped there would be slightly more substantial formation work done, especially in low areas that are prone to water buildup like this. Perhaps raise the ROW a little to ensure it is above that sort of thing and make it far more durable.
From the look of Jaime's photos they have done little more than lift the rails, grade it and then relaid tracks again.
Jaime, did these appear to be the original rails/sleepers or do they have a large supply nearby?

Brad

el_dasik_oo1

March 13th, 2008, 03:01 AM

WoS: condolence bro.. Hope your kumander will get well soon. :)

I will try to post the pics of Vito Cruz and the New San Andres Station this weekend. I was able to walk from Vito Cruz to San Andres (actually, at that time I've been walking for an hour.. From my apartment to Cash and Carry to Palanan Sports complex to Vito Cruz to San Andres then back at my apartment. hehehe talk about exercise.). They really need to clean up the area between Vito Cruz to San Andres.. I mean put up some fences then they need to have to do something with those Condos along da riles. They somewhat throwing dirt in the tracks.. Aside from that, It's all good. I hope to visit the area between San Andres and Paco Terminal. Let's see what's going on there. :D

el_dasik_oo1

March 13th, 2008, 03:04 AM

Hi Wheels,
Mate I am terribly sorry to hear all this, hope things are on the improve now.
What is 'pamangkin'? This is a Tagalog word I have not come across before.

Hasn't been the best week for me either. Was on the way to work on Tuesday when I had a major fall. Have injured both shoulders and arms bad, while an Xray today shall likely confirm I have broken the left knee that is to painful to walk on.
Why did it happen? Some careless twit left a loop of rubbish wire on the side of the road.
Sadly broken knee = no Philippines next year :ohno: AGAIN!!

Brad

ow! that's too bad.. Hope you get well soon brad. :)

wheel of steel

March 13th, 2008, 05:11 AM

wow!!! ha ha ha.... nice updates indeed. Im so excited because this portion from Paco Curve to Bicutan would be the showcase of PNR railroad rehabilitation since it's passess through Makati and the Future Financial distric of Fort Bonifacio...

I hope the MMDA could address it now while theres a freshness work on the railroad. We'll hmm.. let wait... but I am assured that whatever wait we will have, it'a all exciting... he he he....

wheel of steel

March 13th, 2008, 05:21 AM

No apologies needed mate, you have had more important things to worry about.

I had hoped there would be slightly more substantial formation work done, especially in low areas that are prone to water buildup like this. Perhaps raise the ROW a little to ensure it is above that sort of thing and make it far more durable.
From the look of Jaime's photos they have done little more than lift the rails, grade it and then relaid tracks again.
Jaime, did these appear to be the original rails/sleepers or do they have a large supply nearby?

Brad

From what I've noticed and research in the internet about railroad construction, we'll it's really important to regrade the line completely to ensure the stability of the soil beneath it. We'll may be they just assumed that the railroad is still stable because of the operation of the trains. But this is not enough, though commuter trains has been there for a long time now, but still severe flooding and crackings due to calamities might greatly alter the stability of these soil for years. It's just like a cancer that's waiting to happen.

Basically, the new railroad making technology nowadays is to regrade the line first then put the ties then laid the temporary rails. Once these temporary rails was installed, machine will passed packed with new rails will automatically removed the tempoporary rails and then intall the new one. So what was left is the new ties and then the new rails was in placed. Ballast will be poured now by another machine that equally distributes the rocks side by side with appropriate heigh, just enough not to touch the bottom of the machine. Then tampering will follow so that the new rails and ties will be lifted by at least several inches from the stable soil thereby permiting those ballast to be inserted underneath the ties by the vibration of the tampering machine. It also aligns the new tracks on it's appropriate formation.:)

wheel of steel

March 13th, 2008, 06:24 AM

johnmizer

March 13th, 2008, 02:53 PM

merun na bang sa inyo na ka sakay na sa PNR? nag pa inject ba kayo ng anti tetanus? =D

alcogoodwin

March 13th, 2008, 10:45 PM

^^ Watch this video from Indonesia how they raise and align the rails into accuracy after the rails are installed...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5Pxt0ZjV0w

a railway tampering and plasser machine able to let those ballast get inside underneath the ties for greater friction and stability...

Interesting video.

While I haven't looked into the railway building topic to closely, what I have seen here is complete removal of everything down to the formation regrading and then the installing of brand new tracks with the appropriate machinery.
It looks like Hanjin are actually using a very manual approach and with a small team who are only able to do short sections at a time.
It has been reported here and on the PhilippineRailway SIG that the southbound line is closed from 10am till 4pm for the work, although I seem unable to confirm whether or not this is just over a certain section or the whole line. The former would be a bit of overkill with such a small team and given operational necessities.
The later would make more sense if both lines were closed and the machinery brought in to do it within weeks.

I suppose it returns us to the old saying of 'Beggars can't be choosers' :)

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 02:24 AM

The very end of the line in Roxas City.

Cassandra Crossing (http://philippinerailwayhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/2008/03/cassandra-crossing-panay.html)

el_dasik_oo1

March 14th, 2008, 03:08 AM

Interesting video.

While I haven't looked into the railway building topic to closely, what I have seen here is complete removal of everything down to the formation regrading and then the installing of brand new tracks with the appropriate machinery.
It looks like Hanjin are actually using a very manual approach and with a small team who are only able to do short sections at a time.
It has been reported here and on the PhilippineRailway SIG that the southbound line is closed from 10am till 4pm for the work, although I seem unable to confirm whether or not this is just over a certain section or the whole line. The former would be a bit of overkill with such a small team and given operational necessities.
The later would make more sense if both lines were closed and the machinery brought in to do it within weeks.

I suppose it returns us to the old saying of 'Beggars can't be choosers' :)

Brad

I'm hoping that they will use that machinery.. I once watched a documentary about rehabilitating the train lines of England.. I was really impressed with those machineries. It will surely make life easier for the contractors..:D

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 05:11 AM

merun na bang sa inyo na ka sakay na sa PNR? nag pa inject ba kayo ng anti tetanus? =D

^^ "Has anyone of us already took a PNR ride and took an anti tetanus so we can avoid infection? ha ha ha....

From what I've experience, it was totally an awesome ride, faster than any bus that could take me from Tayuman to Alabang.:banana:

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 05:17 AM

I'm hoping that they will use that machinery.. I once watched a documentary about rehabilitating the train lines of England.. I was really impressed with those machineries. It will surely make life easier for the contractors..:D

^^ I was so positive that they will use machineries later. Removing unwanted things along old railway line is so hard by using machine to that's why they do it manually. Then once the ties was made clear of muds and soils and other debris, they can immediately dumped it with bunches of brand new ballast. Once the tampering machine passes by, they will enable to lift the rail and ties and applies vibration to allow the ballast to be sucked underneath the ties. This will allow greater friction and noise stability since the vibration coming from the passing train will be absorbed by the ballast and not by the grade...

Manila-X

March 14th, 2008, 05:32 AM

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 05:40 AM

One thing I expect in this project once its completed its the park and ride concept just like that they did with a few LRT lines. For example, those living in Malolos can just drive from their home to the train station. Next to it would be a multi-story parking where you can park your car. You can just take the train to the city.

That's what we did in NY. We stayed in NJ, parked our car near the Metropark station and took the train to Manhattan.

^^ Yah, there will be park and ride concept in this project... Specially in Sta. near the Sta. Mesa PNR Station, but not along the railroad right of way. I've heard informations that the park and ride is of different concession and that they will award it to another company. The will use the vacant lot near Sta. Mesa. Just don't know where it was but surely not along the sides of the station as railway designers has reserved the Balagtas-Caloocan-Calamba Line as a 2 pair (4 track) railway line. 1 pair for PNR and the other pair for Northrail (Caloocan to Sta. Mesa) and cargo express rail (FTI to Calamba)... So it's really impossible to use the right of way for parking. Somewhere else..

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 05:43 AM

ow! that's too bad.. Hope you get well soon brad. :)

^^ Hi el... how your picture... Can you donwload it now.. We will be glad if we will see some major changes at Buendia PNR Station. Remember this station is the first one to be rehabilitated backed in Octoer 1, 2007..:)

neil02

March 14th, 2008, 06:23 AM

pano na po yung rail tracks na papuntang marilao yung iba kasi don natayuan na ng gusali kagaya nung sm marilao iniba ba nila ng route??

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 07:28 AM

I'm hoping that they will use that machinery.. I once watched a documentary about rehabilitating the train lines of England.. I was really impressed with those machineries. It will surely make life easier for the contractors..:D

They can be truly awesome to watch, its even amazing how they work and do what they do.
Great pieces of engineering by those who make them.

ow! that's too bad.. Hope you get well soon brad

Thanks mate, am slowly on the mend.

Reagrds
Brad

http://www.sa-transport.co.za/trains/sa_rail_car/track_machine_ct_l05.JPG

http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib016/DH11.JPG

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 07:32 AM

^^ "Has anyone of us already took a PNR ride and took an anti tetanus so we can avoid infection? ha ha ha....

From what I've experience, it was totally an awesome ride, faster than any bus that could take me from Tayuman to Alabang.:banana:

Yep, rode on the locomotive the whole way. Got over a hundred photos and had the best time of my life :lol:

Do it while you still can!

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 07:35 AM

By Albert B. Lacanlale

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Relocation of about 6,000 families living along the old rails of the former Philippine National Railway (PNR) in this city will push through even if the NorthRail project would be hampered.

City of San Fernando Mayor Oscar Rodriguez made the assurance amid fears that the proposed NorthRail project from Angeles City to Caloocan City will not push through.

Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo

Rodriguez said the City of San Fernando Government would have to look for other ways to fund the relocation of the families that are living "in less conducive environment along the train tracks."

The City of San Fernando Government, at the moment, is awaiting the allocation of about P60,000 per family from the National Government under the fund for the right of way of the NorthRail project.

Senate inquiries being held in light of the botched national broadband network (NBN) deal have put in limbo the continuation of the train project.

Without the funding from the National Government, Rodriguez said the City of San Fernando Government would be forced to look for its own funding for the relocation.

The families that will be lifted out of the train tracks will be resettled in the Northville relocation site in Barangay Calulut here.

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 07:54 AM

They can be truly awesome to watch, its even amazing how they work and do what they do.
Great pieces of engineering by those who make them.

Thanks mate, am slowly on the mend.

Reagrds
Brad

http://www.sa-transport.co.za/trains/sa_rail_car/track_machine_ct_l05.JPG

http://www.trainnet.org/Libraries/Lib016/DH11.JPG

opppsss nice... ha ha ha... where was this photo taken... nice... Is that a narrow gauge railroad also? looks pretty much narrow like the ones we have...:)

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 07:55 AM

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 08:02 AM

^^ The railroad track looks so muddy and theres some dirt. And also the spacing the of the centerlines is quiete distant. Nice plasser indeed....:cheers:

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 08:12 AM

[QUOTE=barrera_marquez;18944225]Another good news, yung sa Caloocan City at Malabon City segment ng Northrail, natabunan na ng bato, lalagyan na lang ng riles. Last month ko ito nakita pero ewan ko, basag kasi digital camera ko ngayon. Kung magkaroon ako ng cellphone baka ipakita ko sa inyo. Ewan ko lang yung sa Valenzuela City at bandang Bulacan. Sana abot na ng Pampanga ito lalo na sa San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Nice to see that this project is going ahead nice!

Anyway, may nakuha akong picture sa Flickr na computer generated na larawan ng Northrail na DMU trains, parang sa Australia. GO NORTHRAIL! Hindi na ako sa wakas magtitiis ng mahabang paglalakbay sa San Fernando City o Cabanatuan City.

^^ Hi, is there any confirmation about the construction activities in Caloocan. you have already the copy, can you post those pictures here. We don't have anymore updates about the Northrail, at least we could have some fresh photos. The last photo updates was taken last 8months already. Please, photos speaks much louder than what we type... :)

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 08:33 AM

opppsss nice... ha ha ha... where was this photo taken... nice... Is that a narrow gauge railroad also? looks pretty much narrow like the ones we have...:)

I think the above one is, the bottom is standard gauge.

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 08:38 AM

^^ Hi, is there any confirmation about the construction activities in Caloocan. you have already the copy, can you post those pictures here. We don't have anymore updates about the Northrail, at least we could have some fresh photos. The last photo updates was taken last 8months already. Please, photos speaks much louder than what we type... :)

Yeah I would love some fresh shots, at least of Caloocan itself.
This was just a cleared area with the derelict remains of the former PNR station when I was there last.
Please, any recent shots are appreciated.

Northrail will pushed through or else the whole people of Pampanga and the pride of PGMA will suffer... he he he.....

Lets hope beyond this a miracle happens and we do again see trains roll along right to the end in San Fernando.

Brad

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 08:39 AM

I think the above one is, the bottom is standard gauge.

Brad

very much similar to the PNR except that the spacing is quite farther at I think 4.5 meters. That leaves about 1.5 meters spacing between the outside body of the train. That is if the train width is 3 meters.

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 08:47 AM

A few impressive track vehicles.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/474901121_082e48ecd8.jpg

http://www.railway-technology.com/contractor_images/harsco/2_Rail%20_grinder.jpg

Non Rail:

Got a good laugh today when Erap announces he is going to do a movie and it was to be a comedy cause he wants to make people laugh.
Hmmmm, his ridiculous antics since being released has had me laughing since day 1!!!!

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 09:13 AM

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 09:28 AM

Nice tracks indeed... Hope the future maintenance program of PNR will include this massive machines....

Me to. The current track maintenence machines at Caloocan are in a shocking condition. Doubt they have run for well over a decade.

Brad

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 09:31 AM

Me to. The current track maintenence machine at Caloocan are in a shocking condition. Doubt they have run for well over a decade.

Brad

Yup! What do you think Brad, is it possible to lay the ballast first before the rail and ties or vice versa. This is in connection with the post made by barrera that they have already started the pouring the ballast first without the tracks. If if possible, I hope what they laid in the Caloocan to Valenzuela is already permanent....

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 09:34 AM

Yup! What do you think Brad, is it possible to lay the ballast first before the rail and ties or vice versa. This is in connection with the post made by barrera that they have already started the pouring the ballast first without the tracks. If if possible, I hope what they laid in the Caloocan to Valenzuela is already permanent....

I could not really give a definitive answer to this as track is out of my usual sphere of expertise.
Normally track usually goes down, ballast on top, spead and then packed.
Not sure if it could easily be done the other way around as it would be hard to sink it into existing ballast I'd imagine.
Still it may be possible somehow.

Brad

el_dasik_oo1

March 14th, 2008, 10:40 AM

el_dasik_oo1

March 14th, 2008, 10:42 AM

^^ Hi el... how your picture... Can you donwload it now.. We will be glad if we will see some major changes at Buendia PNR Station. Remember this station is the first one to be rehabilitated backed in Octoer 1, 2007..:)

Sorry pare but I can't do it now.. This coming weekend pa. I don't have a phone-pc connection(USB, Bluetooth or IR) here in office. Aside from that, I don't have any pic update with Buendia station. Only Vito Cruz and San Andres. :D

barrera_marquez

March 14th, 2008, 11:53 AM

johnmizer

March 14th, 2008, 01:32 PM

^^ "Has anyone of us already took a PNR ride and took an anti tetanus so we can avoid infection? ha ha ha....

From what I've experience, it was totally an awesome ride, faster than any bus that could take me from Tayuman to Alabang.:banana:

hinde sya aircon dba? how about the view? eh yung simoy ng hangin? yung mga skwater na nandudura? may pics k ba ng tren and the trip itself?

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 02:30 PM

[QUOTE=wheel of steel;19026179]

Ito totoo ito pero basag ang lens ng digital camera ko. Hindi naman ako gumagamit ng cellphone kasi may PC naman ako. Sorry na lang. Pero talagang may ganoon kasi last month ko lang nakita iyon. May bato at buhangin na, riles na lang ang kulang. Ang nakita ko yung sa Malabon City.

Ok... Thank you so much guys... I think we wait na lang and research into internet. I know, we have photos but we don't just get the correct key but sometimes I do.... he he he... and I've just copy the photos without permission from the author... he he he.... Im' an author violator just for the sake of my hobby... he he he... Only for now guys. Pag natapos na ang project, I promise to get permission before using any photos.... :cheers:

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 02:32 PM

hinde sya aircon dba? how about the view? eh yung simoy ng hangin? yung mga skwater na nandudura? may pics k ba ng tren and the trip itself?

^^ Noon yun, ngayon medyo pawala na kasi wala na masyado mga eskwater. PNR ride is quiet easy as compared to LRT and MRT. Paglabas mo ng tren, di mo na kailangan mag stairs of elevator just to get on the ground....

wheel of steel

March 14th, 2008, 02:37 PM

As far as I remember, there are parking lots in Vito Cruz and the new San Andres station. However, Buendia and Pasay Road doesn't have it. :)

Wow!!! That's awesome, I will just leave my car and then I can now take a seamless ride from Clark To Calamba or Lucena....:banana::banana::banana:

The Sta. Mesa Park N Ride is possibly be located beside the PUP. Unlike those in Vito Cruz and San Andres... The side of Sta. Mesa PNR station is reserved for tracks to be used by Northrail's Phase 3 (Caloocan to Fort Bonifacio) so it could never be beside the station premises...

barrera_marquez

March 14th, 2008, 03:20 PM

^^ Noon yun, ngayon medyo pawala na kasi wala na masyado mga eskwater. PNR ride is quiet easy as compared to LRT and MRT. Paglabas mo ng tren, di mo na kailangan mag stairs of elevator just to get on the ground....

Who said it? Ang ingay nga ng riles nang sumakay ako riyan. Grabe, kakabahan ka kasi alam mong maluwag na ang riles... baka madiskaril ka.

Hindi lang stairs o elevator ang wala riyan. Pati bubong wala na... tinangay na ng mga magnanakaw.

johnmizer

March 14th, 2008, 03:43 PM

wow, so parang who dares win pla ang PNR, KUDOS!

alcogoodwin

March 14th, 2008, 11:40 PM

Wow!!! That's awesome, I will just leave my car and then I can now take a seamless ride from Clark To Calamba or Lucena....:banana::banana::banana:
..

As long as Northrail and PNR have an agreement to wait 10 minutes for a late running train connection I suppose :lol:

Brad

alcogoodwin

March 15th, 2008, 12:22 AM

Kumusta guys,
Got very brief word earlier in the week about a plan to preserve a MRR diesel locomotive overseas (outside the Phils - location unknown).
They were deliberately vague, possibly worried that I may research more and ruin the proposal. However there isn't to many things that it could be really.
I would be interested in your views regarding Philippine stuff being preserved outside the country?
I don't really like the idea, but would support anything that saves an item from being turned into a Daewoo (or other vehicle make).
Its certainly not the first time the Phils has lost railway history overseas, although this would be the first example of MRR/PNR.

http://philippinerailwayhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/2008/03/locomotive-preservation-will-it-be.html

Thoughts?

wheel of steel

March 15th, 2008, 04:00 AM

wheel of steel

March 15th, 2008, 04:04 AM

As long as Northrail and PNR have an agreement to wait 10 minutes for a late running train connection I suppose :lol:

Brad

^^ We hope so with the help of island platforms, they can easily manipulate the transfer of passengers in no time.... It would be the greatest legacy of this administration by 2010....

alcogoodwin

March 15th, 2008, 04:30 AM

^^ Wow!!! This would be extremely good news but outside the country? We'll if someone can really afford this it's ok and not reflecting the dying history of GE Locomotives. I just hope they build museums for MRR/PNR trains....:)

It does beg the question of what they will use it for.
Will they import PNR cars to go behind it and make it more complete?
When you see some of the stuff imported into the UK and USA, money seems not to be a real problem.

Brad

wheel of steel

March 15th, 2008, 04:50 AM

alcogoodwin

March 15th, 2008, 05:36 AM

^^ Still what the greatest effort to be done first is to rehabilitate the line... It's also really sad to know that our trains supposedly be repairable would go into halt forever. But my heart still for those things that can still be use. Honestly I don't see any problems with our locos and coaches. It's only the tracks that the have to deal with. I don't see any problem at all except that they will have to incur additional budget for the innovation automatic door opener/recloser for those commex airconditioned coaches. Locos are still good except ofcourse in order to catch up with those Brand New DMUs, they have to reconfigured it to make it accelerate more faster and confortable....

The locomotives, if heavily overhauled, could be put to great use on freight services for many years to come. The distances are certainly going to be far from taxing for them.
The rollingstock, well most of it, requires a lot of work to be done. Some of the stuff that was used to Legaspi is still quite reasonable, but the Metro stuff is probably at a state where the DMUs will be the better option since they are available.
Wonder how the maintenence will be? Will we see a day where the new DMUs are loco hauled again like the CMC/CTC stock?

Brad

wheel of steel

March 15th, 2008, 05:56 AM

The locomotives, if heavily overhauled, could be put to great use on freight services for many years to come. The distances are certainly going to be far from taxing for them.
The rollingstock, well most of it, requires a lot of work to be done. Some of the stuff that was used to Legaspi is still quite reasonable, but the Metro stuff is probably at a state where the DMUs will be the better option since they are available.
Wonder how the maintenence will be? Will we see a day where the new DMUs are loco hauled again like the CMC/CTC stock?

Brad

We'll there is probably a loco hauled DMU someday, that is if maintenance are not properly addressed. Though DMU is the best for Metro, hauling old trains by locomotive can somehow offer cheap fare than Brand New A/C DMU's..

alcogoodwin

March 15th, 2008, 06:20 AM

We'll there is probably a loco hauled DMU someday, that is if maintenance are not properly addressed. Though DMU is the best for Metro, hauling old trains by locomotive can somehow offer cheap fare than Brand New A/C DMU's..

Some should certainly be retained, especially A/C Bicol cars, for the inevitable spikes in traffic during holiday and special period and peak hour.
Nobody can 100% predict the traffic growth likely to happen with commuter trains to and from Lucena, so they would be well served to retain and restore at least a few loco hauled sets to supplement the DMUs in busier times.

Brad

el_dasik_oo1

March 15th, 2008, 12:49 PM

Here it is guys! new photo updates of the project..

Buendia

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5459/buendiaareahf9.jpg

Note: nope not the station but they just clearing up the tracks.

Home Along da riles
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2018/homealonedacondorn8.jpg

Note: well, it is at the back side of the "condos". There's definitely more work and clearing to be done. Fences will be up in the near future.

Vito Cruz Station

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/8079/vitocruzstationjc9.jpg

The New San Andres Station

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2299/sanandresstation2vl8.jpg

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3571/sanandresstationan2.jpg

alcogoodwin

March 16th, 2008, 04:09 AM

The New San Andres Station

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2299/sanandresstation2vl8.jpg

I was unaware they were building a brand new station.
Is this situated between Paco and Vito Cruz, or will it be replacing Vito Cruz which also falls within San Andress?

Is it OK to use the piccie on the blog site please?

Brad

Lucentino

March 16th, 2008, 08:35 AM

barrera_marquez

March 16th, 2008, 10:49 AM

alcogoodwin

March 16th, 2008, 09:36 PM

^^This project seems to be moving way too slow... Anyway, Brad, that shot seems to be taken facing North (towards Pandacan)... the Sn. Andres RR crossing seems to be behind the photographer... so I think this station is situated between Sn. Andres-Quirino Ave... enlighten us @el_dasik_oo1:)

Looking at the pics, the station designs seem to be simple (unlike the MRT/LRT)... well I believe this could be improved when the service starts earning!

Thanks for the updates bro. el_dasik_oo1! Im sure the long walk from Buendia to Sn. Andres was really worth it! Hopefully you can get pics of the RR crossings in these areas...

Hi Lucentino,
Yeah it certainly has been suffering some inertia since around October when they were really ripping through it.
"WE Want Our Railway Now" :lol:
A thread or two back it was reported that a PNR employee expected the line to be fully closed from late last year for the rebuild.
This of course never happened and now we find Hanjin doing it a small piece at a time, during a 6 hour daily window, mostly with manual labour. This isn't how the Koreans would work on their railways, so I am unsure why it is happening here. Perhaps they wish to do it at the lowest cost possible which, while making a saving, will not ensure a robust system for the future.

Looking at the photo it looks like that large block of units on the Paco bend (former Cavite junction) in the far distance. This would mean you are correct with the facing north.

Best wishes
Brad

3cr

March 17th, 2008, 12:07 AM

BSP okays $420-M loans for North Luzon Railways
By Des Ferriols
PhilStar
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008031653

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has approved $420-million worth of foreign loans, including the $90-million borrowing for phase one of the North Luzon Railways from Barclays UK.

The BSP approved the two loans over the weekend, mainly the $329.9-million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for local government financing and budget reforms.

BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo told reporters that the ADB loan was a 15-year loan with a three-year grace period to be used as budget support for local government.

The objective of the program, according to Guinigundo, was to help local government plan and develop their budget for effective use of public funds at the local level.

On the other hand, Guinigundo said the Monetary Board also approved the final terms of the Barclays loan for the Northrail project covering sections one and two of the first phase of the development.

According to Guinigundo, the Barclays loan had a 10-year maturity and would be used to partly finance the sections of the railway system that would extend from Caloocan to Malolos in Bulacan and on to Diosdado Macapagal Airport in the former Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

The Northrail project is one of the centerpiece projects of the Arroyo administration intended as a mass transport system connecting Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2010, the project has been mired in controversies including the sheer logistic of relocating an estimated 40,000 families that have illegally settled near the rail tracks.

The overall cost of the project did not include the cost of relocating these families.

The BSP, however, has been pressing the National Government to limit its availment of official development assistance (ODA) to further reduce foreign exchange inflows from government borrowing.

According to the BSP, the government should borrow more from the local market while keeping a modest presence in the foreign commercial market with its planned $500-million borrowing.

“ODAs can be narrowed down to concessional loans that would generate significant savings for us,” said central bank governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. earlier.

Tetangco explained that some multilateral and even bilateral ODA sources have to borrow from the international capital markets so that their assistance often carry commercial terms.

“We can set aside these loans and narrow it all down to concessional loans,” Tetangco said. According to Tetangco, raising funds from the domestic market was not a new idea and was common practice in a number of economies.

“To succeed in a strategy like that, however, it is important that the domestic market is well-developed,” Tetangco said. For 2008, the Arroyo administration had reduced its $1-billion commercial borrowing to only $500 million but its ODA borrowing was still estimated to reach $2.5 billion.

According to Tetangco, the National Government could not cut its commercial foreign borrowing further, saying that it was “important for the republic to maintain some presence in the market.”

“We can’t completely disappear from the market,” he said. “But there may be some scope for further adjustments in the ODA. I think the National Government is reviewing its plan to see if that is possible.”

“It boils down to a matter of cost and benefit,” Tetangco said.

“Naturally if we are going to end up paying penalties, we may not be able to do this. But wherever it is possible, it might be more prudent to just avail of the concessional loans.”

According to Tetangco, loan covenants and agreements carried terms that sometimes imposed penalties or commitment fees that would be forfeited if a previously agreed-on financing arrangement was cancelled or terminated.