Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has enlisted the assistance of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) for a Write Workshop on Expropriation Cases to accelerate the execution of significant infrastructure projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway Project (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP). This initiative aligns with the President's directive to fast-track all flagship infrastructure initiatives for the immediate benefit of Filipino commuters.

According to Philippines News Agency, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the mass drafting of expropriation pleadings is expected to hasten the right-of-way and site acquisition for the NSCR and MMSP. Secretary Lopez expressed gratitude to the OSG for their collaboration, stating that this cooperation is crucial for expediting the acquisition processes for these significant projects. He reiterated the President's mandate to accelerate the completion of these infrastructure projects and assured that the DOTr is committed to adhering to the timeline to allow passengers to benefit as soon as possible.

The workshop, led by DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition Irish Calaguas, aims to expedite the preparation of pleadings for 137 expropriation cases. Calaguas highlighted that the total land acquisition cost for these cases amounts to PHP1.068 billion, covering 40,488 square meters in the north segment and 25,194 square meters in the south segment of the NSCR, along with 3,177 square meters for the MMSP. The workshop took place on November 27 in Clark, Pampanga.