THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has secured the Villar Group of Companies’ compliance with its key conditions for donating two mortgaged lots needed to build the Las Piñas Station, a project southern commuters have long awaited.
Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Saturday revealed positive development following his dialogue with representatives of the Villar Group, which accepted the agency’s three nonnegotiable stipulations: granting an unconditional entry permit, waiving subrogation rights against the government and lifting the mortgage on the donated land. “This agreement benefits not just the DOTr, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), Light Railway Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Villar Group – it serves the commuting public first and foremost,” Lopez said. “Our commuters are the real winners here, and that’s exactly where our focus should be,” he emphasized. Of the six properties the Villar Group plans to donate, two remain mortgaged. The group has assured the government that mortgage cancellation will be completed within six months and has already identified replacement lots to expedite the turnover of the donated parcels. The Manila Times was told that the company was optimistic that all required documents — the memorandum of agreement, right-of-way acquisition agreement and deed of donation — will be finalized and signed before the month ends, potentially allowing construction to ground-break next year. “We are grateful to the Villar Group for its cooperation in moving this process forward. The President’s directive is unwavering: our transport projects must serve the people as quickly as possible, and we must resolve whatever stands in the way,” the DOTr chief said. LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo, who joined the meeting, noted the government’s sincere determination to clear the remaining roadblocks. Without this agreement, thousands of daily commuters would have continued to bear the burden of incomplete infrastructure, Benipayo warned. “Government is acting with a palpable sense of urgency to ease the commute for passengers, and the Villar Group is showing good faith by engaging constructively with the grantors. This milestone tells me we’ve cleared a major hurdle,” Benipayo said.President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had pressed the DOTr to fast-track all pending concerns, underscoring the administration’s commitment to delivering public transportation infrastructure without unnecessary delays. Also present at the meeting were DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, Assistant Secretary Eduardo Danilo Macabulos, LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera, LRMC chief technical advisor Scott Anderson and Cavite Extension project execution manager Carlos Tan. Integrated plan Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has urged the government to adopt a more integrated approach to transportation planning, including construction of rail lines alongside major road projects and facilities for commuters and motorcycle riders.In a Facebook livestream on Friday, Cayetano said the government should not only build more roads but also consider trains, bike lanes, pedestrian facilities and designated shelters for commuters caught in heavy rain. “If there are so many roads and we need more trains, there should be more trains,” Cayetano said, citing the proposed Laguna Lake lakeshore development as an example. He said the government should consider a rail system along the lakeshore instead of focusing solely on a proposed highway, describing trains as more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly. Cayetano also called on the DOTr, and the Department of Public Works and Highways to integrate facilities for motorcycle riders and cyclists into road planning. He noted that the growing number of motorcycle riders often forces them to take shelter under bridges during heavy rains, while commuters without raincoats are left exposed to the elements. The senator said such basic requirements should be anticipated when infrastructure projects are designed, particularly as the government prepares the next national budget. Cayetano also defended lakeshore developments in Taguig amid criticism that the projects should be assessed based on their original purpose and history. He said the Taguig lakeshore projects were intended to help protect Laguna Lake, provide public spaces and prevent the area from being occupied or privately appropriated. Cayetano said he remains open to investigations but urged critics to examine project documents and consult the appropriate agencies before making accusations. He also reiterated that he would not automatically take a pro- or anti-administration position, saying his views would depend on the facts of each issue. “I can’t be totally anti-admin, totally pro-admin. It’s case by case,” Cayetano said. He said his priority remains protecting the interests of Filipinos and ensuring that government projects serve their intended purpose.
