SEVERAL government mass transport projects may be delayed due to budget cuts and right-of-way issues, according to newly appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon.
A report by Joseph Morong on “24 Oras” identified the affected projects as the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) — which will connect Laguna to Pampanga — and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) — running from Valenzuela to Bicutan.
As of DOTr’s latest data, the NSCR is 27.29% complete, while the MMSP is at 18.89%. The government initially targeted partial operability for both by 2028.
However, Dizon revealed that the 2025 budget for foreign-assisted projects was slashed by up to 80%.
“Losing 80% of the budget is a major setback. However, there are unprogrammed funds, and we need to work with the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget to secure funding for 2025,” Dizon said.
Dizon also cited legal challenges in compensating informal settlers affected by railway projects.
Under Republic Act 10725, the government is prohibited from providing financial compensation for the demolished homes of informal settlers.
However, foreign loan agreements require payments to all affected residents, regardless of legal status.
Former Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said discussions with the Department of Justice (DOJ) may allow exemptions to address the issue.
“We will do everything possible to speed up these projects, as directed by the President,” Dizon assured.
MRT-3, EDSA Busway, PUV Modernization
The DOTr also plans to privatize MRT-3 and the EDSA Busway by 2025 and address concerns of the 20% of traditional jeepney drivers who have not complied with the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.
“Less than 20%. Buhay ang pinag-uusapan natin dito. Buhay ng mga tao ito. Hindi ibig sabhin na less than 20% eh hindi natin sila papakinggan,” Dizon said.
Dizon previously ordered the suspension of mandatory cashless toll collection, but SMC Infrastructure defended the system, citing the need to integrate the operations of two toll operators.
“Does cashless mean entirely eliminating cash payments, even for those without an RFID or whose RFID read has zero or negative balance? We will have to see. We will have to work with toll operators. But we have to make sure that the current system in place is as efficient as possible,” Dizon said. (GMA Integrated News)
