The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez assured the House of Representatives that the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project will finally be completed, with construction of the last two stations expected to begin before 2026 ends.
Sec. Lopez told legislators DOTr expects to start construction of the remaining sections of the multi-billion-peso railway project within 2026.
Rep. Mark Anthony Santos of the lone district of Las Piñas said DOTr’s commitment stand to benefit thousands of commuters from Las Piñas, Parañaque, Bacoor and other parts of Cavite who have been waiting for the project’s completion.
“We welcome Secretary Lopez’s commitment that construction will finally begin within the year. For the people of Las Piñas, this is more than a government project. It is a long-awaited promise of faster, safer and more reliable transportation,” said Cong. Santos.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) among DOTr, Villar Group, Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is expected be signed this September, addressing the right-of-way concerns affecting the project alignment.
The MOA signing was earlier scheduled in August but was postponed, further delaying construction activities.
The assurance comes amid an investigation ordered by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla into allegations involving the delayed implementation of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.
Cong. Santos said commuters have endured years of long travel times and worsening traffic congestion due to repeated delays in the project’s completion.
Phase 1 of the extension project is already operational, extending LRT-1 service from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City. The remaining phases will include the construction of the Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog stations, completing the Cavite leg of the extension.
“Commuters have heard promises of completion for years. What they need now is not another promise but actual construction, workers on the ground and measurable progress,” Cong. Santos said.
The lawmaker called on the DOTr, LRTA and LRMC to immediately resolve any remaining legal, technical and administrative issues.
Cong. Santos urged continued public monitoring to ensure that the government fulfills its latest commitment.
“We will hold the agencies accountable to this commitment. If construction is promised within the year, then we expect to see actual construction activities before the year ends. The people of Las Piñas deserve nothing less,” he said.
He emphasized that completing the last two stations of LRT-1 Cavite Extension would provide relief to commuters traveling between southern Metro Manila and Cavite.
“For years, our people have been stuck in traffic for hours just to get to work, school and home. The LRT-1 extension can dramatically change that. But its benefits will only be felt when the project is actually built and operational,” Cong. Santos said.