Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan (Rep. Yamsuan's office)

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has reiterated his proposal to utilize the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) in kickstarting the modernization of the Bicol Express railway.

“The Maharlika fund can get the Bicol Express back on track and be a key element in the rebirth of a robust rail sector in the country,” said Yamsuan in a recent statement.

“Investing in reconstructing the legendary Bicol Express means accelerating South Luzon’s economic growth. It means creating tens of thousands of jobs and livelihood opportunities. It promotes a mass transport system that is fast, efficient, affordable, emits less air pollution and reduces traffic
congestion,” he noted.

The rookie lawmaker explained that the reconstruction of the Bicol Express into a modern, world-class system will complement the ongoing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. He said this would provide a more seamless interconnection among Luzon’s major economic hubs.

Following the inaugural board meeting last Jan. 3 of the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), which manages the MIF, Yamsuan stressed that the transportation sector should be a major beneficiary for investment.

“We cannot just start and end with the NSCR in implementing long-haul rail projects and leave the southernmost part of Luzon with a patched-up rail system,” the lawmaker said.

“Reviving our rail industry should include reconstructing and modernizing Southeast Asia’s oldest train service, which is the Bicol Express,” he added.

The NSCR connects Bulacan to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga in the north and Metro Manila and Laguna in the south.

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has recently reopened trips between Naga City in Camarines Sur and Legazpi City in Albay, which is seen as a significant step toward the full operation of the Bicol Express rail line.