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Solons back JV’s railway pitch, pivot to Japan for rail deals

August 09, 2022

Lawmakers in the Upper Chamber have expressed their support for Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito’s endorsement of Japanese-funded railway projects in the country.

Asked on the status of the country’s foreign assisted railway projects, Ejercito said it would be advantageous for the national government to pursue railway deals with Japan instead of China.

“Personally, I would rather have Japan do it. First of all, it’s more reliable, I would think. Most of us here would probably prefer Japanese railways and trust Japanese railways. And second, Japan, through the JICA and ADB, has been extending friendlier terms for the country,” he said during the interpellation of his privileged speech on Tuesday.

The lawmaker from San Juan City said he is confident that Japan will deliver on its commitments, despite the meticulous process behind securing Japanese deals.

“Ang sabi nga sa amin ng Japan noong nandoon kami when I was with one of President Duterte’s trip, ‘We, in Japan, we decide slower. Mas matagal kami. But at least we are sure. When we do a project, we will complete it,’” he said.

Ongoing railway projects currently funded by Japan include the North-South Commuter Line and Manila Subway System.

Moreover, Ejercito said it would be more practical for the Philippine government to initiate railway contracts with a single trustworthy partner, such as Japan, instead of awarding projects to different countries at the same time. 

“I have to admit, in the last administration, I think China, kumbaga, hinati nila: mayroong Japan, mayroong China. I personally prefer that Japan do all para po sa interoperability and practicality,” he said.

On the other hand, of the P9 billion worth of projects promised by China as overseas development assistance (ODA), Ejercito said only P600 million worth of projects was finalized, citing data from the Department of Transportation.

The lawmaker cited the cancellation of the Chinese-funded North Rail Project in the early 2000’s.

With China’s high interest rates and the cancellation or withdrawal of several Chinese-funded railway projects in recent years, Senator Grace Poe said there is a need to review the country’s railway deals, especially those initiated with China.

“That, in itself, should be a red flag and raise concern. I would trust a partner that has delivered already time and again,” said Poe, who currently serves as the chair of the Senate Committee on Public Services.

“The gentleman from San Juan is correct. We really have to focus on this before they sign another contract that might be disadvantageous to us,” she added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros lauded Ejercito’s efforts to pursue an inquiry on the status of the country’s railway projects through his Proposed Senate Resolution 64.

“Nakikiisa po ako sa vision ng good gentleman from San Juan na oo nga, ang railway system ay pwede talagang maging backbone ng ating ekonomiya. At bilang backbone, bilang spine, yung kanyang maikakabit na railway stations ay pwede talagang madesign at madevelop bilang mga economic hubs,” she said.

In his proposed resolution filed on July 26, Ejercito sought to direct the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry “with the end in view of crafting measures that shall fast-track their construction and prevent further delay of their completion.”

“It is necessary for the Senate, pursuant to its mandate of uplifting the lives of the people through legislation, to inquire into the progress of the government’s railway projects, to be informed of how to further provide assistance to the Department of Transportation in improving the country’s railway system and in the spirit of transparency, keep the public apprised,” the resolution read.

Ejercito earlier called on his colleagues in the national government to improve the country’s public transportation system, especially its railway networks.

“Let us adopt a policy of moving more people instead of moving more cars,” he said.

Joining Poe and Hontiveros in their support for Ejercito’s privileged speech were Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Floor Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senators Bong Revilla, Mark Villar, and Robinhood Padilla.