DoTr Confident on 30 Projects Despite Reduced 2027 Budget

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is optimistic about completing the 30 flagship projects that will receive funding under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez told the House appropriations committee on Thursday that the DoTr was allocated P300.96 billion in the 2027 NEP. This total is significantly less than its proposed P624.48 billion to fund 179 projects. Lopez stated that only four rail projects were funded under the NEP. Consequently, the Mindanao Railway project, Metro Rail Transit Line 4, and Philippine National Railway South Long Haul will not receive allocations next year. The DoTr is scheduled to meet with potential funders for the Mindanao Railway next week. The project was previously intended to receive official development assistance from China. Furthermore, the DoTr expressed confidence in commencing operations for the MRT-7 by the second quarter of next year. Of the 30 projects receiving funding under the NEP, the breakdown includes: 10 aviation sector projects valued at P5.81 billion, seven road transport projects worth P15.86 billion, six railway projects allocated P194.99 billion, five maritime projects valued at P18.14 billion, and two infrastructure preparation and innovation facilities. The DoTr affirmed that it will maintain its focus on the development and upgrading of aviation communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management systems.