VP Duterte laments Mindanao Railway Project’s delayed construction

Vice President Sara Duterte during her press conference at the Office of the Vice President, Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, Mandaluyong City, on October 17, 2024. INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday lamented the delay of the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project, as well as other projects by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte made the pronouncement in a press conference in Butuan City when asked for a comment regarding the railway project, particularly, its rumored cancellation.

“That’s also what makes me feel bad because I ran on the platform of continuity and unity, particularly the ‘Build Build Build’ program of the previous administration of President Duterte,” said Duterte in a mix of Filipino and English.

“And in fact, the Mindanao Railway is not the only one that is unappropriated by the Philippine government. There are other projects like that until now. That’s why it hurts, I’m dismayed because that would have been a huge help, not only in Mindanao, but all the projects in the whole country,” she added in a mix of Filipino and English.

However, Duterte expressed hope that the government will continue the project, along with other “big-ticket projects” she did not specify.

“We are still hopeful that the ‘Build Build Build’ big ticket projects will continue,” she said.

The first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project, which was estimated to cost  P81.6 billion, was supposed to begin in 2022.

But in 2023, the government announced that it is looking at new financing options for the project after backing out from loan negotiations with China.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is eyeing our own government funds, ODA loans, and a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme to fund the project.

READ: PH quits seeking Chinese loan for Mindanao rail

The Mindanao Development Authority also earlier dismissed speculations that the railway project has already been canceled, stating that it is already finalizing the project’s terms of reference with DOTr, with an expected release by December.

READ: Mindanao Railway Project will proceed – gov’t

The Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1, spanning 100.2 kilometers (km), will connect the cities of Davao, Tagum, and Digos.

Once fully completed, the Mindanao Railway Project will span 1,544 km, linking key areas in Mindanao, including Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay.