Philpost plans to privatise
Philpost plans to privatize
From PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, September 22nd, 2001
By Abigail L. Ho THE PHILIPPINE Postal Corp. has disclosed plans to privatize certain
aspects of its operations so it could compete more efficiently with
its private sector counterparts. Postmaster General Nicasio Rodriguez Jr. said in an interview that
most private courier service providers could deliver mails and
cargoes faster than the state-owned mail carrier because of several
factors. “Our service is very much dependent on public transportation. The
private companies have their own planes and other modes of transport
while Philpost has none,” he said. Rodriguez said that Philpost also has the obligation to cover the
entire country while its counterparts in the private sector were
allowed to choose which areas to serve. “Our rates are basically lower than theirs but these private
companies undercut us sometimes by offering their rates in certain
areas. They can afford to do it while Philpost has fixed rates,” he
said. He added that the number of Philpost’s post offices nationwide has
not increased despite the dramatic increase in the number of people
it has been serving. “This is why Philpost could not possibly serve everybody in the
fastest possible time. The possibility of privatization also came
into the picture because of this,” Rodriguez said. He recognized the need for Philpost to improve its service,
considering the fact that it had already lost a huge number of
customers due to the growing popularity of e-mails and text
messaging. Rodriguez said the planned privatization for Philpost would not
entail an outright sale of some of its operations. He said it would
likely come in the form of joint ventures, concessions or operations
management agreements although everything would be done through
bidding. Up to 55 percent of Philpost’s operations can be privatized, he
said. The terms of reference for the privatization will be finalized
next year and the bidding will likely be held within the same year.
Copyright 2001 Philippine Daily Inquirer. Source : World Reporter
(Trademark)PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, 22nd September 2001
