DOTr: Budget cuts minimal impact on transport projects

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista stated on Tuesday that budget cuts for 2025 would have a minimal impact on the department's 16 flagship transport projects.

Despite receiving less funding than requested, Bautista assured during a Palace press briefing that loan proceeds will cover the shortfall and support ongoing projects like the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT Lines 4 and 7, LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension, and others.

An inter-agency committee was formed to address issues such as property acquisition and right-of-way with assistance from legal bodies like the Office of the Solicitor General.

The DOTr will start tapping into unprogrammed appropriations beginning the second quarter of the year if needed.

Right-of-way issues continue to impact project timelines, such as the LRT-1 Cavite Extension's last three stations which have yet to be constructed due to ongoing acquisitions.