The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced a breakthrough in the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), confirming the successful resolution of the long-standing right-of-way acquisition (ROWA) issue in the exclusive Corinthian Gardens subdivision. This critical development clears the path for the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), significantly accelerating the country’s first underground railway system.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed strong confidence that this resolution will ensure a smoother and faster implementation of the MMSP. The successful acquisition process, which involved negotiations with property owners for the necessary underground easement, is a direct response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expedite flagship infrastructure projects.
“This resolution is a monumental step forward for the Metro Manila Subway Project,” said Acting Secretary Lopez. “The completion of right-of-way acquisition has historically been a major bottleneck for our public infrastructure. By successfully resolving the issue in Corinthian Gardens, we have secured a crucial section of the alignment, putting us on track to begin drilling works by January 2026 and meet our overall completion targets.”
The MMSP alignment within Corinthian Gardens covers a 500-meter segment that affects 33 properties. The DOTr has offered substantial compensation packages to the affected homeowners, with negotiations showing significant progress.
Compensation Offers: As of September 30, the DOTr issued 32 compensation offers totaling over P820.5 million to affected property owners in the high-end subdivision.
Agreed Settlements: Twenty property owners have already accepted settlement packages amounting to approximately P461 million. Negotiations are ongoing with the remaining property owners.
Overall ROWA Status: The total right-of-way acquisition status for the entire 33-kilometer subway line currently stands at 75%, with full acquisition targeted for March 2026.
The TBM for Contract Package 103 (CP103) has already begun excavation on a segment that passes beneath Corinthian Gardens at depths of 19 to 39 meters, ensuring minimal surface disruption for the residents.
Secretary Lopez underscored that resolving this key right-of-way issue is central to the DOTr’s commitment to President Marcos Jr.’s administration to deliver faster, more convenient public transportation options.
“Our goal is clear: to deliver the Filipino people from the daily burden of traffic congestion. The Metro Manila Subway is a game-changer that will connect Valenzuela to NAIA Terminal 3, cutting travel time from over an hour to just 35 minutes,” Lopez added.
The MMSP, the country’s first underground railway system, is a P488.5 billion flagship project, featuring 17 stations and a spur line to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. While full operations are targeted for the early 2030s, the DOTr is pushing for the partial operability of the Valenzuela-Ortigas stations by 2028. The accelerated right-of-way process in critical areas like Corinthian Gardens is vital to achieving this partial opening deadline.
The Department of Transportation extends its sincerest gratitude to the residents and homeowners of Corinthian Gardens for their cooperation and understanding, which will ultimately benefit millions of commuters across Metro Manila.
