The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) hopes to secure the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board for the P22.43 billion Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CTBEx) of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the department’s chief said.

In a recent virtual briefing, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said he was optimistic the multi-billion peso project may get NEDA Board’s approval “very soon.”

“We’re looking to expedite the process with the NEDA,” the official said.

Pangilinan-led MPTC was able to bag the original proponent status in 2018, a year after it proposed the project to the government.

Once it receives the approval of NEDA Board, MPTC could be cleared for a Swiss challenge, allowing other groups to present their proposal. The original proponent can then submit a counter-offer.

The infrastructure will run approximately 50.31 kilometers, with a two-by-two lane expressway connecting Cavite and Batangas and a spur road to Tagaytay City. It will also have another spur road to Tuy in Batangas.

The two-by-two lane carriageway will traverse Silang, Tagaytay, Amadeo, Mendez, Alfonso and Magallanes in Cavite; and Nasugbu in Batangas.

MPTC targets to cut travel time between Governor’s Drive and Nasugbu to 40 minutes from the current one hour and 40 minutes; and reduce time between Sta. Rosa and Tagaytay from the usual two hours to 46 minutes.