LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos expressed yesterday his gratitude to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez for his immediate action in addressing the longstanding issues that continue to delay the completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.
Santos particularly welcomed the DOTr’s call on the Villar Group to promptly act on the proposed Right-of-Way Usage Agreement (ROWUA) covering the planned Las Piñas Station, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to moving the long-delayed project forward.
“I thank Secretary Lopez for his decisive and immediate action on this matter. This is a significant step toward finally resolving the issues that have stalled the LRT-1 Cavite Extension for years,” Santos said.
The lawmaker noted that the project has already spanned five administrations and stressed that thousands of commuters in Las Piñas, Cavite, and neighboring areas have waited long enough for a modern and efficient railway system.
“Our commuters should no longer suffer because of avoidable delays. We owe it to the public to ensure that this vital transport project is completed as soon as possible,” he added.
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project has been decades in the making, spanning five administrations—from former Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte, to the current administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In a follow-up letter, Lopez said the government has exhausted all efforts and maintained good faith coordination with the landowners regarding the proposed station location at the intersection of C-5 Extension and Tramo Road.
“Despite our continued coordination and good faith efforts, the landowners have yet to approve the draft ROWUA necessary to formalize their commitment to donate the property to the project at no cost to the government, “Lopez said in his two-page letter addressed to Cynthia J. Javarez, president of Fine Properties, Inc., and president of Golden MV Holdings, Inc.
Santos also expressed his appreciation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for directing the DOTr to immediately address the obstacles affecting the project following the concerns he raised in his letter to the Chief Executive.
“I am grateful to President Marcos for listening to the concerns of our constituents and for ordering the immediate resolution of these longstanding issues. This shows the administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that directly benefit the Filipino people,” Santos said.
The Las Piñas solon reiterated his call on all concerned parties to cooperate with government efforts to remove bottlenecks and prevent further delays that could increase project costs and postpone the delivery of much-needed transportation services to the riding public.
“This project has been decades in the making. It is time for all stakeholders to work together and put the welfare of commuters above all else,” Santos said.
