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Senate Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito has raised concerns regarding funding gaps for right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions, warning that these shortfalls could delay critical transportation infrastructure projects. The remarks were made during a budget hearing on September 18, where the committee approved the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposed 2027 budget of P300.96 billion.
Ejercito emphasized that securing ROW and providing compensation to affected landowners must be prioritized alongside construction funding to ensure project continuity. He specifically noted that major initiatives, such as the Metro Manila Subway and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), remain vulnerable to delays if land acquisition requirements are not met.
According to the DOTr, the Metro Manila Subway requires approximately P40 billion for landowner compensation. Regarding the NSCR, the agency reported that the N1 segment is 99 percent complete in terms of ROW, while the N2 segment requires roughly P2 billion. The South Manila-Calamba segment is currently 64 percent acquired, with an estimated P20 billion needed to complete the process.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that substantial funding is still required for various transport projects across the country, including those in Davao and Cebu. The proposed DOTr budget for 2027 represents a 118.33 percent increase over the P137.85 billion allocated in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.
During the hearing, Ejercito also highlighted the absence of a specific appropriation for the EDSA Busway in the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Although the DOTr requested P1.756 billion for the NCR Busway Project, the Department of Budget and Management confirmed that no separate allocation was included in the proposal.
Lopez stated that the lack of funding could hinder station modernization, accessibility improvements, and security measures. The DOTr is currently working on rehabilitating stations in Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, and Guadalupe, with plans for new stations in Cubao, Magallanes, and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.
Ejercito expressed his commitment to finding ways to fund improvements for the busway, citing its importance as an efficient public transport option for commuters. The proposed budget will now proceed to plenary deliberations.
Article source: tribune.net.ph | Image credit: tribune.net.ph
