P-Noy slams overpriced Northrail project

MALOLOS CITY,  Philippines   – Steel bars on concrete viaduct posts intended for the long delayed Northrail project here are now being eaten away by rust, but President Aquino is not keen on implementing the project based on the original agreement signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with Chinese contractors.

Instead, the Aquino administration is renegotiating the contract of the $503-million 32-kilometer railway project that will link Caloocan City to this historic city.

In an interview during his visit at Bocaue town on Monday, the President reiterated that the Northrail project is grossly over priced compared to its southern component, the $50-million 34-kilometer Southrail Project.

Aquino said the Northrail is under review with the government and Chinese contractor Sinomach group deciding to sit down without penalty on each other.

The President said he wants to have the project completed, and even noted that he want it extended to Region 2 in order to fast track transport of agricultural products to Metro Manila.

However, he finds it irresponsible to pursue an overpriced project and stressed that $503 million for a 32-kilometer rail project is not a joke.