DOTr Chief vows to fast-track high-impact infrastructure to boost PH competitiveness and commuter comfort

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accelerating the delivery of “big-ticket” transport projects, aiming to resolve long-standing bottlenecks like right-of-way issues to sharpen the country’s long-term economic edge.

Following a direct mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite construction, Secretary Lopez emphasized that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is ramping up infrastructure spending to ensure immediate benefits for the Filipino people.

“Every peso allocated for infrastructure is a direct investment in the Filipino people,” Secretary Lopez stated during the Big Bold Reforms Economic Forum, hosted by the Department of Finance (DOF) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Secretary Lopez highlighted the department’s fiscal discipline, noting that of the P103.05 billion allotted for infrastructure in 2025, 90.57% (P93.33 billion) has already been obligated. For the upcoming year, the DOTr has earmarked P74.5 billion specifically for flagship infrastructure projects.

“We are committed to delivering these projects within their established timelines,” Lopez added. “The public and our investors can be assured that this budget will be spent efficiently to address the urgent needs of our commuters.”

The DOTr is currently prioritizing a massive overhaul of the nation’s transit network across all sectors:

• Railways: Focused efforts continue on the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), the Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7, and the ongoing rehabilitation of MRT-3.

• Roads & Expressways: Modernization of the EDSA Busway is underway, alongside the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu-BRT) and the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP). Additionally, new sections of SLEX, CALAX, CCLink, C-5, and Skyway Stage 3 are targeted for completion this year.

• Aviation: Modernization continues with the upcoming inauguration of the Antique and Laoag airports, the expansion of NAIA, and a significant capacity boost for Siargao Airport, which will see its passenger capacity jump from 200 to 750 this April.

• Maritime: The Philippines is positioning its seaports as investment-ready hubs for trade and clean energy. A highlight for 2026 includes the first-quarter inauguration of the Port of Jubang in Surigao Del Norte, a dedicated cruise facility designed to revolutionize local tourism.