Manila: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has sounded an alarm over the potential impact on approximately 63 million commuters annually if the EDSA Busway receives no funding in 2027. He advocated for a PHP1.756-billion allocation during the Senate Subcommittee on Finance hearing, emphasizing the busway's role as an efficient public transport mode.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez highlighted the busway's success in serving over 60 million passengers in 2025. He emphasized that without financial support, commuters relying on the busway would be the first to experience hardship. "Kung wala pong pondo ang ating busway carousel, ang una po talaga, we can say, the ones that will suffer are the commuters po using the busway carousel," he stated.
Lopez also pointed out the advantage the busway offers over private vehicles, describing it as a rare instance where commuters have the upper hand. He warned that without funding, modernization, accessibility, and security initiatives by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would be stalled.
The zero allocation for the National Capital Region Busway Project, along with other programs, was attributed to tightening fiscal space by the Department of Budget and Management. The DOTr had requested significant funding for these initiatives, which include the Service Contracting Program and the Fuel Subsidy Program.
Currently, the DOTr is working on modernizing the EDSA Busway, with station rehabilitations and new constructions planned. Senate Finance Subcommittee chair Senator JV Ejercito expressed support for funding the busway, recognizing its importance to commuters.
The discussion on the busway budget was part of a broader examination of the DOTr's proposed PHP300.96-billion budget for 2027, marking a substantial increase from the previous year. Lopez also projected that the integration of major railway lines could benefit up to five million passengers daily.
The 2027 budget includes significant allocations for rail transport projects, such as the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, underscoring the government's focus on expanding and improving the country's transportation infrastructure.
