MAILBOX: DPWH clarifies ROW issues in NAIA Expressway

This has reference to the article of Ms. Louella D. Desiderio titled, “NAIA Expressway continues to face ROW issues,” published in The Philippine STAR last July 15. In the article, it states that  Alec Cruz of San Miguel Holdings Corp. is suggesting that the DPWH has been remiss with its duties thus resulting to these right-of-way (ROW) issues which consequently caused the delay in the project’s completion.

While it is true that the NAIA Expressway Project (NAIAX) is encountering ROW issues which are affecting the project, the DPWH has been very diligent in acquiring the delivering the necessary ROW for the NAIAX.

We would like to inform you that:

• The acquisition of ROW is always very challenging, especially in a highly populated urban setting such as those covered by this project. Numerous sectors are involved, different technical matters have to be addressed, security measures have to be reckoned with and various procedures to conform with the rule of law have to be undertaken.

• This includes the filing of cases in the Judiciary which is a totally independent branch of government. While we have exerted all legal remedies to expedite the resolution of outstanding legal proceedings, we also recognize judicial independence and are constrained to abide by their procedures, requirements and timetables. This is not to attribute fault to any party but just to highlight that it really takes time to go through court rules and procedures particularly given their filled dockets.

• From the time the project commenced in January of 2014, DPWH has acquired and delivered a total of 50 out of the 53 affected lots required by the project. This 94 percent delivery rate indicates that the challenge is not just in the deliver of lots affected.

• Another challenge is the relocation of affected utilities. Despite several meetings with the management of the concerned utility owners to come up with measures to avoid the disruption of services and the identification of ways and means to address their concerns, some technical matters remain to be outstanding.

We likewise elicit their understanding and to render full support and cooperation to fast-track the completion of this project.

Hoping that this clarification will merit a space in your esteemed publication.

With warm regards.

Very truly yours,

Rogelio L. Singson

Secretary