DOTr Set to Allocate ₱11.26 Billion for Subway ROW

The government is set to allocate ₱11.26 billion to obtain the right of way (ROW) in the initial segment of the Metro Manila Subway.

This allocation will be utilized for the 12% value-added tax and customs duties of equipment to be used for the project. A big part of the budget will be for the ROW acquisition in priority areas of contract packages (CP) 101 to 104 of the underground railway.

CP 101 secured via a joint venture led by the EEI Corp, will encompass four stations, namely the North Avenue, Tandang Sora, Quirino Highway, and East Valenzuela.

CP 102, secured by D.M. Consunji Inc, comprises East Avenue, Quezon Avenue.

For CP 103 secured by the Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co. which covers the Anonas to Camp Aguinaldo.

CP 104 was won by the Megawide Construction Corp which encompasses Ortigas to Shaw Boulevard.

For Transportation Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, it would be a “very challenging task” for the government to secure the ROW for the subway and for this to be completed by 2028.

According to Undersecretary Chavez, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has already asked for the help of other government agencies such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), National Housing Authority (NHA), and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

“We’re strengthening our ROW teams and collaboration with the OSG, NHA, DHSUD, and other government agencies, and we’re streamlining our processes, too,”  shared Chavez.

Meanwhile, Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon mentioned that “For context, the acquisition of private property along the subway alignment covers the country’s most exclusive villages and commercial properties. As such, the government should expect stiff opposition grinding through a prolonged expropriation process

Source: Philstar