Nothing final on Metro Manila-Clark railway plan, says transport secretary

Tugade

CLARK FREEPORT—Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has belied reports claiming that the proposed Metro Manila-Clark railway project has already been awarded to a contractor.

Tugade, who led the inauguration of the 6-kilometer, P172.9-million Clark-Mabalacat-Angeles Road (CMAR) here on Monday, said the feasibility study for the project is still being finalized.

Once that is completed, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), assisted by the National Economic and Development Authority, would proceed with financial integration talks to determine if the project is going to be accomplished through a private-public partnership, a grant or by securing official development assistance, he said.

The bidding can only be undertaken once the terms of reference are spelled out, he said.

But Tugade said his agency’s target is to finish the Metro Manila-Clark railway and the Clark Freeport-Subic Bay Freeport link within the term of President Duterte.

“We will build, build, build,” he stressed.

The DOTr also needs to decide whether the defunct Philippine National Railway tracks along the North Luzon Expressway or another alignment would be used for the railway.

The Clark Green City, which is being carved out as the country’s green and disaster-resilient metropolis within 9,500 hectares of former United States military base lands in nearby Capas town in Tarlac province, is fully supported by the DOTr, Tugade said.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is holding a roadshow there on Nov. 24.

Talking before local officials and his former colleagues at the state-owned Clark Development Corp. (CDC), an agency which he used to head, Tugade said he was hurt by allegations that he has done nothing at the DOTr.

“That is too much to say about me. But let me ask my critics in Pampanga: What sacrifices have you made for Pampanga?” he said.

He made no reference to the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement that had demanded his resignation over his supposed failure to ease traffic in Metro Manila.

Tugade said only Mr. Duterte can order him to leave his post. The DOTr is Tugade’s second stint in government after leaving the CDC.

“It is difficult serving in the government. While work is already challenging, it is even made more difficult by rumors, baseless criticisms and doubts on your person,” he said in Filipino.

The CMAR, he said, was an example of how collective actions can produce good results. “The idea [for CMAR] came from the mayors. The CDC managed to pool funds because we were able to generate income,” he said.

The road is toll-free and helps motorists and commuters skip heavy traffic along the MacArthur Highway. The road was built next to the perimeter fence of the former Clark Air Base. —TONETTE OREJAS