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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rented, not surrendered: Singson clarifies status of Metrowalk Land with subway project

Rented, not surrendered: Singson clarifies status of Metrowalk Land with subway project

Published Oct 26, 2025 04:08 pm

At A Glance

  • Business magnate and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson gave clarification on the status of Metrowalk Land amid the demolition and fencing of structures at the Pasig City commercial complex.
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson (Facebook)
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson (Facebook)


Business magnate and former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson gave clarification on the status of Metrowalk Land amid the demolition and fencing of structures at the Pasig City commercial complex.
In a statement Sunday, Oct. 26, Singson bared that the demolition has officially begun to pave the way for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Ortigas Station.
But contrary to earlier reports suggesting that the property had been surrendered or fully acquired by the government, the approximately 12,752 square meters of land being used for the station is under a rental agreement--not government expropriation or full acquisition.
The action follows recent coordination with Singson, whose family manages the 16-hectare Metrowalk property through Blemp Commercial of the Philippines Inc.
Singson confirmed the specific details of the agreement: The terms grant the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its contractors (the Megawide-Tokyu-Tobishima Joint Venture) use of the property for a period of five years in exchange for rent.
The former politician also specified the full compensation package. The DOTr will pay for the five years of property usage, plus an additional payment covering the three years of delay since the initial permit-to-enter was issued on Sept. 30, 2022.
A more crucial detail is the land is not permanently lost, as the property will be returned to the Singson family after the subway construction's usage period is complete.
The DOTr, through Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas, has reportedly agreed to compensate the Singson family for both the usage period and the three years of previous delay.
Expressing his commitment to helping the national government expedite the MMSP, Singson acknowledged the swift action taken by the current DOTr leadership.
"Ideally, they should have paid the rentals first before we gave the permit... but I want to help the national government, so I agreed right away, regardless of the consequences," Singson said.
He emphasized his family’s willingness to cooperate despite the lengthy delay.
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