OPINION
Ed Javier
Senator JV Ejercito's Key Role In Revitalizing The Philippines' Railway Infrastructure
FILE
In the ongoing quest to modernize and expand the Philippines' mass transportation system, particularly its railway infrastructure, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito has emerged as one of its staunchest advocates.
His efforts to secure funding and ensure continuity for critical transport projects are not only commendable but crucial for addressing the country’s long-standing mobility issues.
One of the senator's key contributions lies in his active role during the budget deliberations of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and in the ongoing bi-cameral conference committee hearings.
When funds for railway projects were relegated from the programmed to the unprogrammed category—a move that effectively risks delaying their implementation—Senator Ejercito fought for their restoration.
Programmed funds refer to budgets guaranteed by expected revenues or borrowings and are available for immediate use.
In contrast, unprogrammed funds are contingent on additional revenues or financing becoming available, which creates uncertainty and risks delaying critical projects.
By ensuring that railway projects remain under programmed funds, Senator Ejercito is helping to avoid delays and ensure that much-needed infrastructure initiatives proceed as planned.
His efforts extended to the restoration of the budget for right-of-way acquisition, government participation in foreign-assisted projects, and project management offices—critical components to ensure the efficient implementation of railway projects and to prevent job losses for hundreds of Filipino workers.
Senator Ejercito also strongly advocated for the continuation of the Mindanao Railway Project, a long-awaited initiative that promises to bring unprecedented connectivity and economic opportunities to the southern region of the Philippines.
Additionally, his push for the inclusion of adequate funding in the 2025 national budget demonstrates his commitment to seeing these projects through to completion.
As we write this piece, the bicameral conference meeting is ongoing, and we hope that Senator Ejercito’s initiatives receive the full support of his fellow legislators.
Without these critical funds, many railway projects would face significant delays. Worse, the government would still incur unnecessary costs.
Even if the projects are not yet operational, the government would still be obligated to pay commitment fees, contractor expenses, and other related costs, resulting in unnecessary financial losses.
According to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), traffic congestion in Metro Manila alone costs the country P3.5 billion every day—or P1.27 trillion annually—in lost productivity and economic inefficiencies.
That accounts for about 20 percent of the proposed national budget for 2025.
The urgency of Senator Ejercito’s advocacy becomes even more apparent this holiday season, as Metro Manila’s traffic conditions reach peak levels.
This Christmas alone, commuters are bracing for hours-long traffic jams exacerbated by the addition of approximately 300,000 new vehicles annually.
With Metro Manila repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s worst cities for traffic, the need for reliable and efficient mass transportation alternatives, such as railways, cannot be overstated.
Senator Ejercito’s push for railways aligns with his long-standing belief that mass transportation is the key to decongesting urban centers, spurring economic growth, and improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.
His support for projects like the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, the Mindanao Railway, and the extension of the MRT and LRT lines promises to revolutionize the way people travel, directly addressing the traffic crisis while opening up new economic opportunities.
In addition to easing congestion, these projects will bring significant economic upliftment to the communities along the railway alignments.
The improved connectivity will stimulate local businesses, enhance access to employment opportunities, and encourage investments in underserved areas.
This will contribute to the overall economic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, which prioritizes infrastructure as a driver for national growth and prosperity.
The economic impact of these railway projects extends far beyond transport.
They will create thousands of jobs, both during construction and in the operation of the railways, providing direct and indirect employment to a broad range of sectors, including construction, retail, and service industries.
The ripple effect of these job-generation opportunities will boost local economies, especially in areas historically left behind by economic development.
One of Senator Ejercito’s pet legislative initiative is to craft a law that would establish a 25-30 year long-term master development plan for critical infrastructure projects, one that is insulated from political influence.
This initiative is aimed at ensuring the continuity of infrastructure projects regardless of changes in political leadership, ensuring long-term stability and growth for the nation.
Senator Ejercito’s efforts are part of a broader vision for a future where efficient public transportation supports not only the mobility of people but the prosperity of communities across the country.
By fighting for the restoration of funding and pushing for the timely implementation of these critical projects, he is contributing to the fulfillment of the President’s economic agenda and helping lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous Philippines.
In a country plagued by traffic congestion, underdeveloped mass transit options, and an overreliance on road-based transportation, Senator Ejercito's efforts stand out.
Looking ahead, we hope that in the next few years, once the railway system is fully completed, it will become a mode of transport not just for ordinary Filipinos, but also for the affluent—just as it is in countries like Japan, China, the United States, and across Europe.
When we reach that point, we can truly say that we have achieved our long-term transportation goals, creating a system that serves everyone and enhances the overall mobility and productivity of the nation.
By championing the mass transportation and railway development agenda, Senator Ejercito is helping lay the groundwork for a future where public transport is no longer seen as a burden but as a viable and preferred option for Filipinos.
-xxx-
Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and online journalist.
His efforts to secure funding and ensure continuity for critical transport projects are not only commendable but crucial for addressing the country’s long-standing mobility issues.
One of the senator's key contributions lies in his active role during the budget deliberations of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and in the ongoing bi-cameral conference committee hearings.
When funds for railway projects were relegated from the programmed to the unprogrammed category—a move that effectively risks delaying their implementation—Senator Ejercito fought for their restoration.
Programmed funds refer to budgets guaranteed by expected revenues or borrowings and are available for immediate use.
In contrast, unprogrammed funds are contingent on additional revenues or financing becoming available, which creates uncertainty and risks delaying critical projects.
By ensuring that railway projects remain under programmed funds, Senator Ejercito is helping to avoid delays and ensure that much-needed infrastructure initiatives proceed as planned.
His efforts extended to the restoration of the budget for right-of-way acquisition, government participation in foreign-assisted projects, and project management offices—critical components to ensure the efficient implementation of railway projects and to prevent job losses for hundreds of Filipino workers.
Senator Ejercito also strongly advocated for the continuation of the Mindanao Railway Project, a long-awaited initiative that promises to bring unprecedented connectivity and economic opportunities to the southern region of the Philippines.
Additionally, his push for the inclusion of adequate funding in the 2025 national budget demonstrates his commitment to seeing these projects through to completion.
As we write this piece, the bicameral conference meeting is ongoing, and we hope that Senator Ejercito’s initiatives receive the full support of his fellow legislators.
Without these critical funds, many railway projects would face significant delays. Worse, the government would still incur unnecessary costs.
Even if the projects are not yet operational, the government would still be obligated to pay commitment fees, contractor expenses, and other related costs, resulting in unnecessary financial losses.
According to a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), traffic congestion in Metro Manila alone costs the country P3.5 billion every day—or P1.27 trillion annually—in lost productivity and economic inefficiencies.
That accounts for about 20 percent of the proposed national budget for 2025.
The urgency of Senator Ejercito’s advocacy becomes even more apparent this holiday season, as Metro Manila’s traffic conditions reach peak levels.
This Christmas alone, commuters are bracing for hours-long traffic jams exacerbated by the addition of approximately 300,000 new vehicles annually.
With Metro Manila repeatedly ranked as one of the world’s worst cities for traffic, the need for reliable and efficient mass transportation alternatives, such as railways, cannot be overstated.
Senator Ejercito’s push for railways aligns with his long-standing belief that mass transportation is the key to decongesting urban centers, spurring economic growth, and improving the quality of life for millions of Filipinos.
His support for projects like the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, the Mindanao Railway, and the extension of the MRT and LRT lines promises to revolutionize the way people travel, directly addressing the traffic crisis while opening up new economic opportunities.
In addition to easing congestion, these projects will bring significant economic upliftment to the communities along the railway alignments.
The improved connectivity will stimulate local businesses, enhance access to employment opportunities, and encourage investments in underserved areas.
This will contribute to the overall economic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, which prioritizes infrastructure as a driver for national growth and prosperity.
The economic impact of these railway projects extends far beyond transport.
They will create thousands of jobs, both during construction and in the operation of the railways, providing direct and indirect employment to a broad range of sectors, including construction, retail, and service industries.
The ripple effect of these job-generation opportunities will boost local economies, especially in areas historically left behind by economic development.
One of Senator Ejercito’s pet legislative initiative is to craft a law that would establish a 25-30 year long-term master development plan for critical infrastructure projects, one that is insulated from political influence.
This initiative is aimed at ensuring the continuity of infrastructure projects regardless of changes in political leadership, ensuring long-term stability and growth for the nation.
Senator Ejercito’s efforts are part of a broader vision for a future where efficient public transportation supports not only the mobility of people but the prosperity of communities across the country.
By fighting for the restoration of funding and pushing for the timely implementation of these critical projects, he is contributing to the fulfillment of the President’s economic agenda and helping lay the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous Philippines.
In a country plagued by traffic congestion, underdeveloped mass transit options, and an overreliance on road-based transportation, Senator Ejercito's efforts stand out.
Looking ahead, we hope that in the next few years, once the railway system is fully completed, it will become a mode of transport not just for ordinary Filipinos, but also for the affluent—just as it is in countries like Japan, China, the United States, and across Europe.
When we reach that point, we can truly say that we have achieved our long-term transportation goals, creating a system that serves everyone and enhances the overall mobility and productivity of the nation.
By championing the mass transportation and railway development agenda, Senator Ejercito is helping lay the groundwork for a future where public transport is no longer seen as a burden but as a viable and preferred option for Filipinos.
-xxx-
Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and online journalist.
Dec 10, 2024
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