The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has stepped up efforts to fast-track major rail infrastructure projects after clearing 345 expropriation cases, accelerating land acquisition for the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
The milestone was achieved during a three-day workshop in Clark, Pampanga, conducted jointly with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG). The DOTr described it as the largest batch of legal pleadings processed in its history, aimed at resolving long-standing right-of-way issues that have delayed key transport projects.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite flagship infrastructure projects by removing legal and administrative bottlenecks in land acquisition.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the bulk processing of expropriation cases would significantly speed up the acquisition of affected properties along the Clark–Malolos corridor for the NSCR, as well as critical sites for the Metro Manila Subway.
“With this partnership with the OSG, right-of-way and site acquisition for DOTr’s big-ticket projects will be expedited. We need to move this forward so construction can proceed and commuters can benefit,” Lopez said.
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas said the finalized pleadings cover key land parcels needed for both rail projects, underscoring the importance of continued coordination with the OSG.
“These are all crucial right-of-way parcels for the NSCR and MMSP. To the men and women of the OSG, please continue to be our partner in attaining 100 percent right-of-way for our rail projects,” Calaguas said.
As part of ongoing implementation, the DOTr reported that 1,537 out of 2,647 affected informal settler families, or 58.51 percent, have received compensation.
Right-of-way acquisition has also accelerated in recent months. For the NSCR North section (Malolos to Clark), progress increased from 7.59 percent in March 2025 to 65.5 percent based on the latest figures.
The NSCR North segment is targeted for partial operations by 2028, while the southern section is expected to be completed by 2031.
Meanwhile, right-of-way clearance for the Metro Manila Subway Project has risen from 51 percent to 90.80 percent. Full completion of the underground rail system is projected by 2032.