Marcos promises SLEX ext., Mindanao brs., Bataan-Cavite link

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined major infrastructure promises during his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28.

One key promise includes extending the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) from Batangas to Quezon by 2026, reducing travel time by three hours; however, not all projects will be completed within his term.

Marcos emphasized that once completed, a four-hour journey will be cut down to one hour and ordered relevant departments to ensure proper execution of the project. For Mindanao, improvements under the Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project include the recently opened Nalil-Sikkiat Bridge in Tawi-Tawi and the completion of the Malassa-Lupa Pula bridge by 2026.

The president also announced construction on the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will begin before year-end, reducing travel time from five hours to 45 minutes, and pledged to strengthen the Philippine National Railways Bicol Line damaged by Cyclone Kristine. Additionally, Marcos highlighted updates for other projects such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway.