Chavit: Government renting Metrowalk land

MANILA, Philippines —  A portion of the Singson family’s 16-hectare Metrowalk property in Pasig is being rented by the government for the Metro Manila subway, according to former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.

“The land is not permanently lost. It will be returned to us after the subway construction’s usage period is completed,” he clarified.

Managed by the Singsons through Blemp Commercial of the Philippines Inc., a portion of Metrowalk is being leased for five years by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its contractors, the Megawide-Tokyu-Tobishima joint venture.

Demolition and fencing works began recently at the commercial complex.

Singson said the DOTr paid additional compensation for three years of delay since the initial permit-to-enter was issued on Sept. 30, 2022.

Despite payment delays, Singson said, “Ideally, they should have paid the rentals first before we gave the permit. But I want to help the national government so I agreed right away, regardless of the consequences.”