Photo credit: PCO

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has reassured the public that the government’s major transportation projects remain on schedule. Addressing concerns about potential delays, Bautista emphasized the efforts being made to ensure timely implementation.

“Well, as we have discussed, may mga resolution naman so we are expecting that even with all these problems, we should be able to implement the projects still on time,” Bautista stated confidently. He highlighted the department's goal to adhere to the newly established timelines despite ongoing challenges. “Yun ang objective talaga namin — to be able to implement this project on the newly established timetable,” he added.

One significant hurdle in the implementation process is the issue of right-of-way (ROW). Bautista acknowledged this as one of the biggest obstacles but assured that coordinated efforts are underway to address it. “Sa pamamagitan nang pagtutulungan ng lahat ng mga departments, we should be able to resolve these issues,” he explained.

To tackle the ROW concerns, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed an inter-agency approach, forming the Inter-Agency Committee for ROW Activities for National Railway Projects under Administrative Order No. 19. This committee includes various government departments such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and others, all working together to streamline processes and resolve ROW issues.

Bautista also mentioned that many of the current projects were initiated during previous administrations, and existing problems are being actively addressed to move forward smoothly.

With the commitment from the DOTr and support from various government agencies, Bautista remains optimistic that the flagship transportation projects will be completed as planned, ensuring progress in the country’s infrastructure development.