Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has successfully secured an agreement with the Villar Group of Companies to adhere to its non-negotiable terms for donating two mortgaged parcels of land essential for the Las Pi±as station's construction in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project. This development aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite the project's completion to benefit commuters promptly.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was reached during a meeting with Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and representatives of the Villar Group. The group agreed to the DOTr's three conditions: granting an unconditional permit to enter, waiving subrogation against the government, and canceling the mortgage on the property to be donated.
"This development is good for DOTr, LRMC (Light Rail Manila Corporation), LRTA (Light Rail Transit Authority), and the Villar Group, but best for the commuting public. Itong pagkakasundo natin, talagang commuters ang pangunahing makikinabang, at 'yun naman talaga dapat ang priority natin (This agreement of ours, commuters are truly the main beneficiaries, and that should really be our priority)," Lopez said.
The Villar Group has committed to donating six parcels of land, two of which are mortgaged. The company stated that the mortgage cancellation process for the two properties would take place over the next six months. They have already identified replacement properties to facilitate the land release for donation.
The necessary agreements for the land donation, including the memorandum of agreement, right-of-way acquisition agreement, and deed of donation, are expected to be signed within the month. This will allow construction to commence as early as next year. LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo emphasized the potential impact on thousands of commuters if the agreement had not been reached.
"I see that there's this urgency from the government to provide relief for passengers. And on the part of the Villars, there's a good sign that they're talking to the grantors in good faith. With this milestone, I think a major hurdle has been finished," Benipayo said.
The meeting also included the presence of DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, Assistant Secretary for Railways Eduardo Danilo Macabulos, LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera, LRMC Chief Technical Advisor Scott Anderson, and Cavite Extension Project Execution Manager Carlos Tan.
Previously, on July 30, Lopez had warned that construction for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project would bypass Las Pi±as entirely and proceed directly to the Zapote and Niog stations in Bacoor if the Villar Group had not accepted the government's terms. The DOTr had described its conditions as a "take it or leave it" offer, giving the Villar Group until this month's meeting to decide.
