Major railway projects in the Philippines face delays over right-of-way issues

Major railway projects in the Philippines, including the Metro Manila Subway and North-South Commuter Railway, are facing delays due to complications with right-of-way acquisitions. The Department of Transportation is struggling to align international funding requirements with local laws. Former Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista sought legal advice on compensation issues, which has created further confusion. New Secretary Vince Dizon has been tasked with speeding up the projects, but legal challenges remain. The Metro Manila Subway, originally set to open in 2025, is now expected to be operational by 2029. The North-South Commuter Railway's partial operations may be delayed until 2028. Delays could also increase overall project costs.