SC asked to stop LRT 1 extension project

MANILA, Philippines - Militant groups asked the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday ito stop the P65-billion concession agreement for a project that would extend the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 to Cavite.

In a 67-page petition, the groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order on the deal forged by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC).

They also asked the SC to void the agreement, which covers the privatization of the operation and maintenance of the current LRT Line 1 as well as the construction and extension of the existing LRT Line 1 from 20.7 kilometers to 32.4 kilometers by providing trains originating from the end of Baclaran, traversing the municipalities of Parañaque and Las Piñas and ending in Bacoor, Cavite.

The petitioners alleged that the deal is disadvantageous to the government and violates constitutional provisions.

 “The contract is loaded with sovereign guarantees that are contrary to law and detrimental to the people. The Aquino government through the DOTC, negotiated a lopsided contract that will place us deep in debt,” they said.

They also argued that the respondents violated the right of the people to information on matters of public concern under Section 28, Article II of the Constitution since no public consultation was made prior to the signing of the agreement.

The petitioners also said the concessionaires were “given (a) payout, a risk-free revenue contract” while the government shouldered the financial risks and guaranteed the consortium’s profits.

They also questioned the delegation of authority by the LRTA to both the DOTC and the LRMC, saying only the LRTA has the mandate to operate and build the LRT 1.    

A similar petition was filed by law school dean Salvador Belaro Jr. in February.