Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has commenced the demolition of Philippine National Railways (PNR) stations stretching from Santa Mesa, Manila to Cabuyao, Laguna. This action marks the beginning of the southern part of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.

According to Philippines News Agency, acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez highlighted that the simultaneous demolition aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite significant transportation projects to benefit commuters. The demolition involves ten stations, including Cabuyao, Santa Rosa, Alabang, Bicutan, Blumentritt, Sucat, Muntinlupa, Bi±an, San Pedro, and Mamatid. Lopez emphasized that collaboration with local governments is crucial for the project's progress.

Lopez further explained that right-of-way issues for the NSCR's southern segment are anticipated to be resolved by 2026. The NSCR project is scheduled for completion in 2032, with the Malolos-Valenzuela segment expected to finish by 2027, and the Malolos-Clark segment by 2028. Once operational, the NSCR aims to accommodate around 800,000 passengers daily.

In response to claims that recent orders for DOTr executives to commute are merely performative, Lopez stated that the initiative is genuine. He asserted that the memorandum issued on Monday requires high-ranking DOTr executives, especially those in road transport and rail sectors, to commute to work at least once a week to better understand commuter needs.