Road congestion in Metro Manila is expected to be reduced by one-third with the completion of the “magnificent" skyway project, President Duterte said Thursday.

The President graced the launch of Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS-3) project in Quezon City, citing the benefits of the elevated expressway to improve movement of goods and people.

The 18-kilometer elevated expressway spans from Buendia, Makati City to North Luzon Expressway in Balintawak, Quezon City. Travel time between NLEX and South Luzon Expressway is expected to be cut to 30 minutes from the usual two hours.

"For many years, our people have greatly suffered from the perennial problem of road congestion in the National Capital Region," Duterte said. "Come to think of it actually when all of the Skyways will be completed, I think ‘yung pagtitiis ng mga tao will be cut by about one-third, not really lahat but it will cut the inconvenience and it will make you comfortable," he added.

With the Skyway Stage 3 connecting with Skyways Stages 1 and 2, Duterte said there would be a continuous 35-kilometer elevated expressway that directly connects Alabang to Balintawak.  "This, beyond doubt, will significantly contribute to the efficient movement of goods and people from north to south, and within Manila," he said.

The President thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways, Citra Central Expressway Corporation, and San Miguel Holdings for their hard work and cooperation in finalizing the road project. He said the completion of the Metro Manila skyway was "a testament to the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of our Build, Build, Build Program."

The President likewise paid a special tribute to the Filipino workers behind the construction of a major road project.

"I would like to thank the Filipino laborer for his toil and sweat in making all of this possible," he said.

"They may not be earning much pero ang trabaho pinakita nila will last for generations. So kung sino man ngayon ang mga trabahante dito, tanggapin po ninyo ang mainit kong pagbati  (They may not be earning much but the work they've shown will last for generations. So to the workers of the project, please accept my warm greeting)," he said.

He also affirmed the government's commitment to pursue the Build, Build, Build program guided by the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. 

"As we marvel at this great feat, I hope that we in government will be reminded of our responsibility to not only ensure the timely completion of all public infrastructure projects, but also to shield the public from all forms of inconvenience during the construction," he said.