Latest news with #MetroManilaSubway
The Star
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Public transportation will be better by the end of 2025, says Marcos
This file photo taken on October 2022 shows long lines of commuters forming at the Ortigas Station of MRT 3 while the signaling system glitch was being fixed. - Courtesy of Cha Padilla via PDI/ANN MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told Filipino commuters that they can expect improved public transportation in late 2025. He said this is due to the scheduled completion of some phases of the government's big-ticket infrastructure projects in the transportation sector. In Part 3 of the BBM Podcast: Episode 2, uploaded on his social media accounts on Friday (June 20), Marcos was asked when commuters can expect relief from the daily ordeal of public commuting. He responded by expressing sympathy for their struggles, saying that he, along with his friends and family, had also experienced firsthand the inconvenience of the country's public transport system. 'I've felt that. One time, we rode the MRT, and once you get inside, if your hand ends up here, you won't be able to move it anymore,' he recalled, gesturing how cramped it is inside the trains. 'I was talking with the passengers. One of them said, 'Sir, it's really like this every day.' I know—it's extremely hot and very crowded,' he said. The Marcos administration is implementing some measures meant to benefit commuters. These projects include the '1 plus 3 promo' in the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 every Sunday, as well as a 50 per cent fare discount for students. Marcos emphasised that the government is also focused on long-term solutions through major infrastructure projects, including the Metro Manila Subway and MRT-7. 'We will start to see the completion of some of the phases by late this year, next year,' Marcos said. The MRT Line 7 is expected to begin trial runs by the end of the year, according to its operator, San Miguel Corporation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said last Tuesday that they are making progress in securing the right-of-way to be able to push through with the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project. He had also revealed plans to build another station of the LRT 1 in Bacoor to cater to more passengers as the government seeks to extend the railway to Cavite by 2030. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Dizon: 3 out of 5 major ROW issues hounding Subway project addressed
The Department of Transportation is making progress in securing right-of-way to keep the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project, which has been delaying the project's ultimate completion. In his presentation during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum in Makati City, Transportation Secretary Vivencio 'Vince' Dizon expressed confidence that 'before PBBM (President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.) steps down, I think we will be able to see at least two maybe three stations… we can seen the trains running.' In particular, the Transportation chief expressed optimism the MMSP will be partially operational at least from Valenzuela —where the depot will be located— to Quirino Highway stations. 'Hopefully [up to] North Avenue,' Dizon said. The Cabinet official's confidence stemmed from the progress in ROW acquisition the agency is making since he took over the helm of the DOTr in February. 'Right now, we've addressed three out of five for major right-of-way issues, [namely]— Barilla, Anonas, Ortigas,' Dizon said. 'Metrowalk na lang… BGC (Bonifacio Global City), it's almost there tingin ko malapit na 'yun. Hopefully in the next few months we will be able to address,' he said, adding that once ROW issues are resolved 'we can see the progress there.' READ: Metro Manila Subway: When Right of Way Gets in the Way 'One good development here is the amended Right-of-Way Act passed by both houses. The bicam report was signed last Wednesday, the last day of the 19th Congress. The President will sign this very soon,' Dizon said, 'That will be a game-changer, especially in the subterranean right-of-way,' he said. The Transportation chief said, once the measure becomes a law, the government can access privately owned land at 18 meters below ground for subterranean or underground infrastructure projects from the current 50 meters. Upon completion, the MMSP will have a total of 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot where the Philippine Railway Institute is located. The project involves the construction of a 33-kilometer railway line that will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The MMSP's 17 stations are: Valenzuela where the depot will be located, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, Katipunan (Camp Aguinaldo), Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Kalayaan Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Lawton East, Senate-DepEd, NAIA Terminal 3, FTI, and Bicutan. The MMSP is envisioned to be interconnected with other rail systems: the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), and the Metro Rail Transit-Line 7 (MRT7) through the Common Station; the Light Rail Transit-Line 2 (LRT2) at the Anonas Station; and a physical run through into the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) at the FTI and Bicutan Stations. The project currently has an estimated total cost of P488.5 billion, of which P370.7 billion will be financed through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Meanwhile, P117.7 billion will be covered by the Philippine government. The Philippine government and JICA have so far signed three tranches of loan agreements—the first tranche amounting to ¥104.53 billion, or P47.58 billion, was signed in March 2018; the second tranche, amounting to ¥253.31 billion, or P112.87 billion, was inked in February 2022; and the third ¥150-billion or P55.37 billion loan deal for the project was signed in March 2024. The previous DOTr leadership earlier projected that the MMSP will be partially operational by 2028 and will be fully operational a year after, but Dizon said full completion of the project was stretched further to 2032.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
Gulf News
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Why Filipinos should not fight over Duterte: A Good Friday reflection, a look at the bigger picture
Politics evolve: It's time for Filipinos to look forward, rather than fight over the past Last updated: In the often fiery world of Philippine politics, few names ignite as much passion and division as Rodrigo Duterte. Loved by many, assailed by others, his six-year term as president (2016–2022) left a profound mark on the country. On Good Friday, as we look at our collective lives this 2025 and beyond, as the political arena continues to evolve, it's time for Filipinos to look forward rather than fight over the past. Here's why: #1. The Constitution has spoken: 6-year term limit The Philippine Constitution is clear: a president can only serve one six-year term. This provision was created to prevent the return of authoritarian rule and to ensure peaceful and democratic transitions of power. Duterte stepped down in 2022 in accordance with this law. Whatever your opinion of his presidency, his time in office is constitutionally over — and that's how democracy works. Prolonged political bickering over a past leader distracts from the pressing issues of today. #2. Infrastructure got a serious upgrade Under Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build' drive, the country witnessed a significant push in infrastructure. Hundreds of roads, bridges, airports, and seaports were built or modernized. Projects like the Metro Manila Subway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, airports, rail and the New Clark City were either completed or kicked into high gear. This was a foundational boost that future administrations can — and should — build upon, rather than tearing each other down in political turf wars. #3. Economic growth, GDP rise Despite challenges like the pandemic, the Philippine economy under Duterte saw substantial growth, especially in the earlier years. The GDP grew by over 6% annually pre-COVID, and the country was on track to reach upper middle-income status. Recovery has since resumed post-pandemic. Rather than dividing over political loyalties, Filipinos should focus on economic continuity and how to sustain this growth for the benefit of all. #4. PPP rules improved for better investments Under Duterte's watch, the administration updated and streamlined rules for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) — a legacy of the Corazon Aquino Administration – a major win for both local development and foreign investment. These changes have made it easier for private companies to collaborate with the government on infrastructure and services, from transport to digital networks. Instead of revisiting past rivalries, the national conversation should focus on how to maximize these tools for progress across regions. #5. New laws with long-term impact During Duterte's term, Congress passed numerous laws with long-lasting effects, such as: The Universal Health Care Act The Free College Tuition Law The Ease of Doing Business Act The Bangsamoro Organic Law Public Service Act (amended Commonewealth Act No. 146) EVIDA, Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act These are not 'Duterte laws' or 'Dilawan laws' — they are Filipino laws designed to benefit current and future generations. It's far more productive to evaluate and improve these laws than to fight over who gets credit. #6. Focus on the present, and future 'Forget what lies behind, set your eyes on the prize.' The Philippines is a rich country, endowed resources (think nickel, gold, copper, hydropower, geothermal power, manganese, oil/gas). Freeflowing rivers and abundant marine resources. Best of all: the country has a young population. Put those brains and muscles to productive work and you'll have an unbeatable generation. The energy spent defending or attacking a past president could be better used tackling today's challenges — like inflation, energy sustainability, education reform, climate change, and digital transformation. Takeaways Duterte had his chapter in Philippine history. He followed the constitutional rules, implemented major reforms, and handed the reins to the next administration. Let history assess Duterte's legacy, but let Filipinos today decide what comes next. Unity doesn't mean forgetting the past — it means choosing not to be trapped by it. We're all running the race to win: the real question isn't whether to praise or condemn Duterte — it's how to move forward as a nation, together.
