Transport expert backs P120-billion funding for road projects

MANILA, Philippines — A transport expert on Saturday supported the decision of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC)  to allocate P120 billion for road projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Rene Santiago, consultant of the Department of Transportation Communications, called the road construction as timely as it would improve impact for employment, industry and commerce.

Last July, the MPTC, one of the biggest tollway operators in the Philippines, announced that it would push through its plans on improving the country’s road networks.

Santiago also noted the construction of the NLEX Harbor Link expansion and the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).

He said the opening of the 2.6-kilometer section of NLEX Harbor Link, which expands to the Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) area, would provide alternate routes for cargo trucks.

“That’s good news to truckers. Truck bans limit their hours of operation, so more trucks are needed to carry the freight loads,” Santiago said.

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