San Miguel Corp. to Resume Pasig River Expressway Project Amid Public Concerns

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has announced its intent to proceed with the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project, after addressing previous public concerns. This decision follows their notification to the government, confirming their commitment to comply with necessary requirements.

Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Alvin Carullo reported that SMC has pledged to meet all conditions, including obtaining an environmental clearance certificate (ECC), for the 19.37-kilometer, six-lane elevated road along the Pasig River.

“San Miguel wrote that they will comply with the requirements for the ECC. As of now, the project is still active,” Carullo stated.

Earlier this year, SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang indicated the project’s potential continuation if public concerns were adequately addressed. The project was temporarily halted in March due to these concerns.

The TRB has set a deadline for SMC to submit the final engineering drawings (FED) by October. This deadline was previously extended. The project also requires alignment adjustments due to its proximity to Malacañang. Once the FED is submitted, SMC must secure the ECC and other permits, including a no-objection notice from the local government unit, before seeking a notice to proceed from the TRB.

Carullo mentioned that while construction could start in 2025, obtaining the ECC will be challenging due to opposition citing potential traffic and environmental impacts.

The PAREX project was initially approved in September 2021 through a Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement signed by SMC and various government stakeholders, including former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and former Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar. The expressway will span from Radial Road 10 in Manila to C-6 Road, incorporating a section of the new Skyway Stage 3.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of urban development along the Pasig River, aiming for functional improvements and revitalization within three years. Phase 1C of the Pasig River Urban Development Project (PRUDP) plans to enhance pedestrian infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces, including walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk.