2027 budget: P197.3-B rail infra budget eyed

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said the administration is pushing a P197.3-billion budget for rail infrastructure under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The move is intended to accelerate the progress of the North-South Commuter Railway System, which is expected to ease commuters’ travel and stimulate the country’s economy.

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“Under the Fiscal Year 2027 National Expenditure Program, P123.84 billion will be allocated to the project, which will connect Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said at a briefing.

“The said budget also includes P67.44 billion for Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway Project, which is expected to help ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila,” she added.

The budget also includes P1.17 billion for the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, P1.94 billion for the MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation Project, and P603 million for the LRT Line 1 South Extension Project.

The proposed P197.30-billion allocation is P73.18 billion, or 58.96 percent, higher than the P124.12 billion proposed for rail transport under the 2026 NEP. /mcm