JV Ejercito pushes to prevent delays in Metro Manila Subway, NSCR projects
November 18, 2025
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito reiterated his call to avoid any further delays in the implementation of foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), particularly the Metro Manila Subway and the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
During the Senate’s deliberations on the 2026 budgets on Monday, Ejercito expressed concern after portions of the loan proceeds for the two flagship projects were reduced under the General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
It can be remembered that Ejercito proposed the restoration of the funds to the amounts approved under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) at the sub-committee level, but unfortunately, the GAB was adopted.
“By endorsing the restoration of the Loan Proceeds to their original amount under the NEP, we recognized the disadvantages of placing Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) under the Unprogrammed Appropriations,” Ejercito said.
He warned that delays in fund releases may compel contractors to suspend work, “which in turn leads to prolongation costs and further setbacks in project implementation.”
Ejercito stressed that releases under the Unprogrammed Appropriations historically arrive only by the third quarter, causing progress billings to pile up during the first half of the year.
“Ultimately, this scenario results in additional financial burdens for the government. I hope that we will no longer experience delays in the implementation of these projects. This may affect our credit and financial standing,” he said.
Defending the budgets of the DOF, DBM, and BIR, Senator Win Gatchalian explained that the reduced loan proceeds reflected the low disbursement rates of the two projects.
He added that the amounts already included in the GAB—P48 billion for NSCR and P34 billion for the Subway—are sufficient for 2026 given the pace of fund utilization.
Gatchalian said that disbursements for the Metro Manila Subway and NSCR are expected in Q1 and Q2, noting that unprogrammed funds will go directly to foreign-assisted projects once additional revenues become available.
Ejercito expressed gratitude to Senator Win Gatchalian for committing to keep a close eye on funding for key transport projects.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Sen. Win Gatchalian sa assurance niya na tututukan ang mga programang pang-transportasyon, kasama na ang budget para sa North–South Commuter Railway at Metro Manila Subway. Umaasa tayo na magiging prayoridad ang paglabas ng pondo para tuloy-tuloy at on time ang implementasyon ng mga ito.”
