BIZ BUZZ: Abby better

MANILA, Philippines – If we go by the pre-election surveys, then Makati Mayor Abby Binay should soon be leaving city hall and heading for the Senate following today’s elections.

And as soon as she warms her seat, Binay plans to get the ball rolling on her priority bills, which include proposed amendments to the Public-Private Partnership Code and the Local Government Code to make them more responsive to the times.

Binay said in a recent interview that she wants the PPP Code revised so that local governments will have more flexibility and leeway to enter into their own contracts without having to go through the PPP Center for approval.

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This way, local infrastructure projects can be completed as soon as possible.

As for the Local Government Code, Binay shares that a thorough review of the law was in order as many of the provisions are no longer responsive to today’s needs.

Binay knows these outdated provisions too well having helmed Makati for several terms.

Indeed, she wants to make good use of the lessons learned from being in the trenches as she begins her stint in the Senate.

Binay said she was also ready to adjust her working style considering that the Senate is a collegial body, which means it is not her way or the highway.

She, however, is confident that she will be able to forge meaningful alliances and cross party lines to successfully pursue her legislative agenda. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

DOJ coming for ex-Camp John Hay operator

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is coming down hard on the Sobrepeña-led company that used to operate Camp John Hay in Baguio, setting up a task force to dig into controversies tied to the 247-hectare economic zone.

A source close to the action told Biz Buzz last week that a team has been officially constituted to review the company’s past dealings.

A portion of the issuance seen by Biz Buzz said the task force would “build a case and, if necessary, file the appropriate criminal charges in court.”

The DOJ’s move comes in the wake of long unresolved issues involving Camp John Hay Development Corp., which used to manage and operate Camp John Hay properties.

In January 2025, property owner Bases Conversion and Development Authority recovered control of Camp John Hay backed by a ruling from the Supreme Court, but cases apparently continue to pile up.

Biz Buzz reached out to the Sobrepena camp for its side and it should respond soon.

So, buckle up, the next chapter in the Camp John Hay saga is about to get even more intense. —Alden M. Monzon INQ