MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has promised that the Metro Manila Subway will be operational by 2028, contrary to an earlier statement by his Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary.
During a campaign sortie on Saturday evening in Batangas, the Chief Executive vowed that the country’s first underground railway system would be completed by the end of his term.
President Marcos also highlighted during his speech that the project will serve as a symbol of progress and modernity, citing the use of advanced technology in its construction.
“Bago po ako matatapos bilang Pangulo, magkakaroon na tayo ng subway dito sa Pilipinas,” President Marcos said. “’Yung subway, yung tren na dumadaan sa ilalim ng lupa.”
While construction of the 33-kilometer railway began in December 2019 under former President Rodrigo Duterte, the project was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent right-of-way issues.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon recently said that the subway is not expected to be fully functional anytime soon, saying the system may only become partially operational by 2032.
The Metro Manila Subway will stretch from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City and is largely funded through a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency./PN
