DOTr begins demolition works in Ortigas for subway

MANILA, Philippines —  After a three-year delay, the Metro Manila Subway Project has started the demolition works in Ortigas, where the MMSP infrastructure has faced the greatest delay, following a right-of-way victory.

The Department of Transportation has procured 82 percent of the right of way needed for the MMSP, with the DOTr starting the demolition and fencing works in Metrowalk, the property where the Ortigas segment of the subway project will be constructed.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the development in Metrowalk shows that the MMSP is progressing in its most difficult sectors, noting that the DOTr dealt with a three-year delay in entering that business area.

The DOTr recently worked with the Pasig City government in securing the right of way at Metrowalk, with Mayor Vico Sotto helping the agency in obtaining the required lots for the MMSP.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas also negotiated with the Singsons of Ilocos Sur to acquire the right to demolish some Metrowalk properties. The Singsons own Blemp Commercial of the Philippines, the company that runs Metrowalk, which sprawls across eight hectares and where the MMSP would cross in Ortigas.

Metrowalk used to house the amusement park Payanig sa Pasig. The property was one of the assets surrendered by Marcos crony Jose Campos after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.

Because of ownership issues and the various business districts and posh villages around Ortigas, the DOTr has had difficulties in negotiating compensation for affected landowners.

Issued in 2022, the Ortigas segment of the MMSP is covered by Contract Package 104, which spans the station and viaduct between Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard.

The DOTr originally aimed to partially operate the northern phase of the MMSP before the end of the Marcos administration in 2028.

However, the completion target was pushed to 2032, with the DOTr asking commuters to wait longer for a faster way to travel between Valenzuela and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.