Priority issues cause delays in infrastructure projects

Right-of-way (RoW) issues were causing a delay in the progress of government infrastructure projects, InfraWatch PH chairman Terry Ridon told BusinessWorld.

“One of the reasons there were delays on certain projects, especially not on PPPs, but on ongoing projects, was because of the priority issue,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. admitted in one rack last June 5 that the ROW problems caused a huge delay.

“This is very timely as we have had a briefing on the flagship projects and the delays. [It’s severely delayed because of the right-of-way,”] said Mr. Marcos.

Mr Ridon explained that the MRT 7, the EDSA bus line proposal and the rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of the MRT 3 were some projects that saw slow progress.

“MRT 7 has been seriously delayed mainly because there were objections from local governments, especially in Bulacan, regarding the original alignment of MRT 7,” Mr. Ridon said.

Mr. Marcos suggested returning to the old process of addressing the ROW issues to expedite the delayed project.

“Ibalik niyo na lang sa dati [Revert it back to the old process.] After you pay 15 percent, the turnover is n/a. Now if you want to argue about the valuation, whatever it is, go ahead, but the project can already start,” he said.

According to Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino lAs of June 4, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently working with the local government of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan to resolve the issue.

“Nagsschedule kami this June inspection ng DOTr, San Miguel Corp. in San Jose LGU para makita ang kanilang proposed alignment at the station location, [We have scheduled an inspection with the DOTr, San Miguel Corp., and the San Jose LGU this June to discuss the proposed alignment and station location,”] she said.

In the 2023 post-SONA During the discussion last July 26, Transport Minister Jaime J. Bautista said the completion of the MRT-7 rail system would take place within two years.

In line with this, the train system capacity is at 69.86% as of May, and partial operation of the stations in the Quezon City area will begin in late 2025.

“Magpa partial operations will include 12 stations by the end of 2025 in inaasahan naman po na yung next station – station 13 [Tala Station] after approval, operational by the end of 2026, [Partial operations for the 12 stations will begin at the end of 2025 while, the 13th station will operate by the end of the following 2026,”] she said.

As stated in the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the government has allocated €8.3 trillion for the 194 projects under the “Build Better More” programme.

“One of the keys to sustained economic growth is infrastructure development. So we will build better and more,” Mr. Marcos said. – Almira Louise S. Martinez