Lawmakers on Wednesday, September 29, opposed the proposed P95-billion Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) during the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget plenary deliberations.
Gabriela Women's Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan partylist Rep. Sarah Elago hit the construction of PAREX, a 19.37-km, six-lane elevated road project of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) along the banks of the Pasig River, citing environmental, heritage, transport and public health issues.
Brosas questioned the result of the public scoping attended by over 100 groups and hosted by SMC last July and said that the PAREX project will affect heritage bridges and buildings in Manila.
She added that it will photobomb heritage buildings like Intramuros and Manila Central Post Office, impede the flow of water in bodies of water within Metro Manila, and have a negative effect on mobility, environment and public health.
"PAREX would also occupy a wide span of Pasig and Marikina Rivers which can potentially impede the flow of water from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, and transport and environmental groups have slammed the planned expressway saying that it will negatively impact public mobility, heritage, environment and public health," Brosas said.
Elago, on the other hand, said that a review of the project is needed due to environmental concerns.
She added that 76 groups are against the PAREX project.
Budget sponsor and Bataan (2nd District) Rep. Jose Enrique "Joet" Garcia III, a member of the Committee of Appropriations, said that concerns by parties involved will be addressed and given solutions.
The contract signing of PAREX is slated to be held next month and construction begins October next year.
The project will be an east to west expressway that will help ease traffic and connect the metropolis. (Melvin Sarangay)