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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Economy devider Marcos approves MRT-7 refinements, patrol craft project adjustment

Marcos approves MRT-7 refinements, patrol craft project adjustment

Published May 5, 2026 07:48 pm

The Economy and Development (ED) Council has approved refinements to the implementation of San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-led Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) and adjustments to a maritime security project involving fast patrol crafts, as the government moves to accelerate infrastructure delivery and enhance law enforcement capabilities.

In a statement, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said the ED Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the measures during its ninth meeting on Tuesday, May 5.

The council cleared the technical aspects of a project variation for MRT-7 to address implementation challenges and facilitate its completion, with the goal of making the line operational for commuters as soon as possible.

MRT-7, a major transport infrastructure linking Metro Manila and nearby provinces, is expected to cut travel time between Quezon City and Bulacan province from about three hours to roughly 35 minutes. It is projected to serve up to 850,000 passengers daily and support regional economic integration.

As of early 2026, the project is more than 85-percent complete and is targeted to begin operations by 2027.

“The approval of the refinements for MRT-7 implementation marks a critical step forward in finally delivering this long-overdue project. By addressing its current challenges, we are now in a stronger position to push toward its completion,” said DEPDev Secretary and ED Council Vice Chairperson Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“More importantly, this move reflects our commitment to the riding public: easing congestion, improving mobility across Metro Manila, and strengthening economic integration in the region. This is not just about finishing a project; it is about delivering tangible benefits that commuters have long been waiting for,” the country’s chief economist added.

The ED Council also approved adjustments to the Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Philippine Coast Guard (PGC) proposal to acquire 40 units of fast patrol crafts (FPCs).

The project, which will be funded through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the French government, involves revisions to project cost and implementation timelines to account for foreign exchange (forex) movements and the finalization of financing arrangements.

With a total cost of ₱31.8 billion, the FPCs are expected to boost the country’s maritime law enforcement capabilities against crimes such as smuggling and other illegal activities, while also enhancing disaster response and search-and-rescue operations.

“As we continuously face global uncertainties that persistently challenge our economy, we consider this a crucial project in strengthening the country’s maritime security, disaster response, and law enforcement capabilities,” Balisacan said.

He added that the approvals underscore the government’s push to ensure that major infrastructure projects are implemented efficiently and transparently, delivering the highest economic and social returns for the Filipino people.

Related Tags

Department of Economy Planning and Development (DEPDev) Economy and Development (ED) Council Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. Arsenio M. Balisacan Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Department of Transportation (DOTr) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) official development assistance (ODA)
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