Adi Joaquim Tolentino

Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito reaffirmed his support for the Marcos administration’s railway and infrastructure programs, emphasizing their role in national development and traffic decongestion.

Photo Courtesy of DOTr.

In a statement on May 7, Ejercito said he recently met with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, who gave updates on key projects including the North-South Commuter Railway, the Bicol Express revival, and the Mindanao Railway.

“These are the same projects I’ve been advocating for over the years, especially the North-South Commuter Railway, the Bicol Express, and the Mindanao Railway; I’ve always believed modern railways are key to solving traffic and to connecting and bringing development to our regions,” Ejercito said.

The senator acknowledged delays due to funding and right-of-way acquisition but expressed confidence in the executive branch’s efforts to push through.

“Yet, I know these are not easy projects. Right of way and funding issues are always a challenge, but I’m glad to hear that the executive is working hard to keep things moving,” he expressed.

Ejercito warned that with only three years left in the Marcos administration, time is running out to complete these initiatives.

“With only three years left in the current administration, we really need to focus on getting things done,” he added.

The senator underscored the need for strong coordination between the executive and legislative branches, particularly in addressing mass transport gaps and jeepney modernization.

“I’m committed to working with Secretary Dizon and the entire administration to ensure these life-changing projects don’t lose momentum. These will be top of mind as we go into budget deliberations,” he noted.

Ejercito pointed out that in previous years, flagship infrastructure projects were often left under unprogrammed funds, delaying their implementation.

He cited his support during the 2025 budget deliberations to increase funding for the PNR South Long-Haul Project, Mindanao Railway, and MRT Line 4 as building an efficient railway system is essential to long-term growth and competitiveness.

“That’s what our ASEAN neighbors have been doing for the past three decades,” he said.

He added that the Philippines must learn from regional peers like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, which have made consistent investments in rail infrastructure.

Ejercito said he remains confident that the country can build its own railway industry with the right policies and sustained commitment,  despite the 87.245 billion peso budget allocated to the DOTr for 2025 is only half of what the agency had originally requested.