DOTr working with OSG on ROW challenges

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General to address right-of-way issues that have stalled many infrastructure projects in the country.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said they are scheduled to have a sectoral meeting with President Marcos to discuss primarily right-of-way (ROW) concerns.

“Some of our projects are delayed because of problems like getting the right-of-way. We’re  working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General because it is the only office of the government that can work on expropriation cases,” he said.

Bautista said resolving right-of-way concerns is one of the priority projects of the government.

“It is top of the agenda because right-of-way is one of the major issues in implementing infrastructure projects not only for the Department of Transportation, but also for the Department of Public Works and Highways. So it’s on top of the projects that we will address,” he said.

Among the DOTr’s projects include the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, and the modernization of several airports, such as the Bukidnon, Catbalogan, Dumagete, Tacloban, Kalibo, Caticlan, Laguindingan, Siargao, Zamboanga, Masbate, and Cotabato airports.

The agency is also poised to improve mobility and connectivity through railways with the ongoing construction of the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway and MRT-7.

Road transport is likewise given priority with the modernization of public utility vehicles, EDSA Busway, while prioritizing active mobility with the establishment of bicycle lanes throughout the country and the EDSA Greenways Project.

The agency recently signed agreements with the International Finance Corp. (IFC) and the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP) for assistance in the development of several transportation projects in the aviation and railway sectors.

Bautista said the designation of the IFC as transaction advisor is a significant step toward the early completion of selected projects in aviation and railways.

Under the contract, IFC will provide the DOTr with transaction advisory services for the modernization and upgrading of several regional airports.

The agreement will likewise strengthen the Light Rail Transit Line 2 in terms of its rehabilitation, expansion and operations.