SAYING that only decisive action from Malacañang can finally break the years-long impasse, Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos has appealed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to personally intervene and ensure the immediate implementation of the long-delayed ₱64.9-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project.
Santos said the project has been stalled for years despite its importance to millions of commuters in Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Cavite, stressing that the remaining obstacles should no longer be allowed to derail a vital public transportation project.
“It is now imperative for President Marcos to step in so that the much-delayed ₱64.9-billion LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project can finally move forward. The people have waited long enough for a railway system that will ease traffic congestion, shorten travel time, and improve their quality of life,” Santos said.
The lawmaker cited President Marcos’ previous interventions in public utility issues, noting that during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President raised concerns over the country’s water service problems, including those involving PrimeWater, and directed concerned government agencies to take-action to improve public service.
Santos also pointed to the President’s intervention in the Siquijor power crisis after the Energy Regulatory Commission ordered the shutdown of Villar-owned Siquijor Island Power Corp. (Sipcor) over inadequate service. He noted that President Marcos personally visited the province and instructed the power company and regulators to resolve the problem.
According to Santos, he has informed Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon that the ₱300.39-million C-5 Quirino Flyover in Las Piñas City is the primary reason for the changes to the LRT-1 Cavite Extension’s approved 2022 alignment.
He said the flyover, which was built during the tenure of then Public Works Secretary and now Sen. Mark Villar, occupies the corridor originally intended for the railway line, resulting in costly redesigns and additional right-of-way requirements.
Santos also cited statements by Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Hernando Cabrera that the Villar Group’s commitment to donate the land for the proposed Las Piñas Station has yet to be formalized through the required Right-of-Way Usage Agreement (ROWUA), which has further delayed the project.
“I am hopeful that President Marcos will demonstrate the same resolve in addressing the issues delaying the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project. Millions of commuters have already waited far too long,” Santos said.
He added that the delays have deprived the public of a faster, safer, and more efficient transportation system while worsening traffic congestion and affecting economic activity in southern Metro Manila and Cavite.
“This isn’t just about a construction delay. It’s about determining whether billions of pesos in public funds were wasted because government agencies failed to coordinate with one another—or worse, ignored a problem that could have been prevented,” Santos said.
“Mr. President, kayo na lamang po ang pag-asa ng milyun-milyong mananakay mula sa Las Piñas, Parañaque, at Cavite upang tuluyan nang maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito at gumaan ang kanilang araw-araw na biyahe,” he added.
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