With the goal of accelerating major rail projects nationwide and provide faster, more convenient transportation for commuters.
According to the Malacañan Palace, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is proposing a PHP197.3-billion budget for railway infrastructure under the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted that the proposed allocation is expected to accelerate development of bug ticket projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway System.
Under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, which is being tackled by both houses of Congress, about PHP123.84 billion has been earmarked for the NSCR project, which will connect key areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna.
“Ang hakbang na ito ay para pabilisin ang pag-usad ng North-South Commuter Railway System na inaasahang magpapagaan sa byahe ng mga commuter at magpapasigla sa ekonomiya ng bansa,” she said.
Meanwhile, PHP67.44 billion is allocated for Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway Project, which is expected to help ease traffic congestion in the National Capital Region.
Other rail projects included in the proposed budget are the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project (PHP1.17 billion), the MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation Project (PHP1.94 billion), and the LRT Line 1 South Extension Project (PHP603 million).
Under the National Expenditure Program submitted by the Department of Budget and Management, a sum of PHP302.2 billion was set for agencies concerned in the transportation sector, which include the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine National Railways (PNR), and Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).
