Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the government's focus on expanding the rail, bus, and terminal network to address the increasing reliance on public transportation due to rising oil prices. In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos detailed plans to enhance trains, busways, transport hubs, and terminals, alongside upgrading airports and seaports to improve services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the urgency of these projects amidst the oil price hike, highlighting that many Filipinos have turned to public transport. He revealed that the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is set to commence operations next year, initially linking Valenzuela and Malolos, with plans to extend to Clark, Pampanga by the end of his administration.

Marcos also announced the upcoming opening of 12 stations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) next year. This new line, the first addition to Metro Manila's rail network in nearly 30 years, will run from North Avenue to Sacred Heart, Quezon City, and eventually to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, potentially serving one million passengers daily.

The president attributed the swift progress of these infrastructure projects to the Accelerated and Reformed Right of Way Act, which has streamlined the resolution of right of way issues, removing a significant barrier in the mass transit development program.

Additionally, Marcos provided updates on the bus rapid transit (BRT) projects, noting that the first phase of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit is operational, while the Ilocos Norte BRT is slated for inauguration next year.