The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) slammed detained Senator Leila De Lima for her "misleading" views that the two key projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program of the Duterte administration would displace hundreds of thousands of informal settler families in Metro Manila.
“The Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways strongly urge Senator Leila de Lima to get her facts straight, on the heels of her call for the Senate to investigate two Build, Build, Build projects which she claims will displace over 180,000 families in Metro Manila,” the DOTr and DPWH said on their joint statement on Tuesday.
This, as De Lima has asked the Senate to conduct a probe into the construction of the North Luzon-South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road and the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project claiming this could displace over 180,000 families in Metro Manila.
Both the departments explained that the number of informal settler families affected by the NSCR Project is at 94,132 across the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and Bicol.
The NSCR Project consists of the following segments: PNR Clark 1 (38-km, Tutuban-Malolos), PNR Clark 2 (51-km, Malolos-Clark), PNR Calamba (56-km, Manila-Calamba), and PNR Bicol (653-km, Manila-Matnog; Batangas).
“Contrary to the Senator's figures, the estimated number of likely affected ISFs (informal settler families) is 344 for PNR Clark 1; 1,173 for PNR Clark 2; 11,384 for PNR Calamba; and 1,700 for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Project. For PNR Bicol, the previous estimate of 79,531 ISFs will be greatly reduced because of the DOTr and PNR's approach of exploring re-alignments to avoid displacement of persons, to minimize conflict with road traffic and structures, and to straighten curves to achieve faster operating speeds,” the statement read.
“Even assuming the number of affected ISFs for PNR Bicol is not reduced (which it will), the total number of affected ISFs at 94,132 across four regions is far apart from the good Senator's erroneous estimation, which unnecessarily misleads the public on the true scale of the projects’ impact,” it added.
The DOTr and DPWH likewise noted that the acquisition of the right of way for the NLEX-SLEX Connector and the NSCR are in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 10752 or the Right of Way Act and Republic Act 7279 or the Urban and Housing Development Act.
Public consultation meetings, they argued, had also been conducted by the local interagency committees in various affected areas.
Furthermore, all four phases of the NSCR Project are separately funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and China.
“Borrower countries such as the Philippines are required to ensure compliance not just with all applicable local laws and regulations on land acquisition and resettlement, but also with the ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement and JICA's Guidelines for Social Considerations. This means that part of project preparation and implementation is a comprehensive evaluation of the project’s potential social impact, and the implementation of measures that will ensure that affected persons are left "no worse off," as required under ADB and JICA Social Safeguards,” according to the DOTr and DPWH.
Both departments stressed that the implementation of these projects are necessary to facilitate ease of movement among commuters and boost economic growth in the region.
“It bears repeating that these projects are long overdue, and are ultimately meant to alleviate the decades-long suffering of thousands of Filipino commuters in Luzon. Moreover, these projects are poised to economically transform the regions, ferrying in commerce, and increasing incomes faster than before. The DOTr and the DPWH, under the Duterte Administration, remain steadfast in its goal of giving a better life for all Filipinos, and will not be diverted by criticisms anchored on false and misleading data,” the DOTr and DPWH said.
De Lima has filed Senate Resolution No. 927 which urged the appropriate Senate committee to look into the impending demolition of thousands of residents’ homes in 38 communities in Manila affected by the construction of the PHP23 billion NLEX-SLEX Connector Road and the PHP171 billion NSCR Project which are scheduled to be rolled out next year.
According to the senator, these two construction projects will result in the massive demolition of houses in at least 38 barangays in Manila composed mainly of homes and small businesses. (PNA)
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
De Lima criticisms ‘inaccurate, misleading’ – DOTr, DPWH
Two government agencies urged Sen Leila De Lima on Tuesday to “get her facts straight” after her remarks on the administration’s “Build Build Build” program.
Filing a Senate Resolution No. 927, De Lima called for a Senate probe on the Build Build Build project, citing that the construction of the P23 billion North Luzon Expressway—South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road Project and the P171 billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project would displace 180,000 families in Metro Manila.
“Some residents of Sampaloc, Manila, have long been apprehensive of their forcible eviction and relocation to give way for the construction of these projects. They have repeatedly stressed that the concerned agencies have failed to adequately consult with them concerning the right-of-way negotiations,” she added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Ways and Highways (DPWH) said that the statement of the detained senator was “inaccurate and misleading”
The DOTr noted that the NSCR general project that De Lima cited consist of four different projects, namely PNR Clark 1, PNR Clark 2, PNR Los Banos, and PNR Bicol.
Despite the huge scope of the NSCR project, the department said that this would not affect the 38 barangays in Manila, contrary to the claim of De Lima.
It also said that the four phases of the NSCR Project are separately financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and China, “a fact conveniently missed by the good Senator.”
“The DOTr and DPWH stress that contrary to what the good Senator may have intentionally or unintentionally misstated, the Informal Settler Families (ISF) affected by the NSCR Projects are not confined to 38 Barangays in Manila, but are rather spread across Region III (Central Luzon), National Capital Region, Region IV-A (CALABARZON), and Region V (Bicol),” the two agencies said in a joint statement.
“It is also stressed that contrary to the Senator’s figures, the estimated number of likely affected ISFs is 344 for PNR Clark 1; 1,173 for PNR Clark 2; 11,384 for PNR Los Banos; and 1,700 for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Project. For PNR Bicol, the previous estimate of 79,531 ISFs will be greatly reduced because of the DOTr and PNR’s approach of exploring re-alignments to avoid displacement of persons, to minimize conflict with road traffic and structures, and to straighten curves to achieve faster operating speeds.” it added.
Both the DPWH and the DOTr also said that the acquisition of the right of way for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road and NSCR project are guided by the provisions of the Right of Way Act (RA 10752) and the Urban Development Housing Act (RA 7279)
The two departments then vowed that the projects of the administration would provide “better life” to the public once finished.
“The DOTr and the DPWH, under the Duterte Administration, remain steadfast in its goal of giving a better life for all Filipinos, and will not be diverted by criticisms anchored on false and misleading data,” it said. /cbb
Filing a Senate Resolution No. 927, De Lima called for a Senate probe on the Build Build Build project, citing that the construction of the P23 billion North Luzon Expressway—South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector Road Project and the P171 billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project would displace 180,000 families in Metro Manila.
“Some residents of Sampaloc, Manila, have long been apprehensive of their forcible eviction and relocation to give way for the construction of these projects. They have repeatedly stressed that the concerned agencies have failed to adequately consult with them concerning the right-of-way negotiations,” she added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Ways and Highways (DPWH) said that the statement of the detained senator was “inaccurate and misleading”
The DOTr noted that the NSCR general project that De Lima cited consist of four different projects, namely PNR Clark 1, PNR Clark 2, PNR Los Banos, and PNR Bicol.
Despite the huge scope of the NSCR project, the department said that this would not affect the 38 barangays in Manila, contrary to the claim of De Lima.
It also said that the four phases of the NSCR Project are separately financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and China, “a fact conveniently missed by the good Senator.”
“The DOTr and DPWH stress that contrary to what the good Senator may have intentionally or unintentionally misstated, the Informal Settler Families (ISF) affected by the NSCR Projects are not confined to 38 Barangays in Manila, but are rather spread across Region III (Central Luzon), National Capital Region, Region IV-A (CALABARZON), and Region V (Bicol),” the two agencies said in a joint statement.
“It is also stressed that contrary to the Senator’s figures, the estimated number of likely affected ISFs is 344 for PNR Clark 1; 1,173 for PNR Clark 2; 11,384 for PNR Los Banos; and 1,700 for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Project. For PNR Bicol, the previous estimate of 79,531 ISFs will be greatly reduced because of the DOTr and PNR’s approach of exploring re-alignments to avoid displacement of persons, to minimize conflict with road traffic and structures, and to straighten curves to achieve faster operating speeds.” it added.
Both the DPWH and the DOTr also said that the acquisition of the right of way for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road and NSCR project are guided by the provisions of the Right of Way Act (RA 10752) and the Urban Development Housing Act (RA 7279)
The two departments then vowed that the projects of the administration would provide “better life” to the public once finished.
“The DOTr and the DPWH, under the Duterte Administration, remain steadfast in its goal of giving a better life for all Filipinos, and will not be diverted by criticisms anchored on false and misleading data,” it said. /cbb
IN THE KNOW: NLEx-SLEx connector road, North-South Commuter Railway
The North Luzon Expressway (NLEx)-South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) connector road project is an 8-kilometer elevated expressway that will cut travel time between NLEx to SLEx from over two hours to 15-20 minutes.
The P23.3-billion connector road will run from the terminal of Segment 10 on C-3 Road in Caloocan City up to SLEx, mostly passing through the Philippine National Railways tracks.
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., through Manila North Tollways Corp., signed a 37-year contract in November 2016 to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the road project, which is set to start construction in May 2019.
Some 3,500 informal settlers in 38 barangays and 1,043 privately owned lots with a total land area of 8.7 hectares would be affected by the project, the city government of Manila said in November last year.
Detained Sen. Leila de Lima said in a statement last week that about 180,000 families would be displaced in the demolition of houses and shops to give way to the NLEx-SLEx connector road project and the P171-billion North-South Commuter Railway Project.
North-South Commuter Railway Project
The 653-km south line of the North-South Railway Project is poised to be the biggest public-private partnership project to date.
It will run from Manila to Legazpi City in Albay province.
It will consist of commuter railway operations between Tutuban in Manila and Calamba, Laguna, as well as long-haul railway operations between Tutuban and Legazpi City.
The project, among the public-private partnership deals left hanging by the previous administration, is being reviewed by the Department of Transportation, according to the Public-Private Partnership Center website.
Five Filipino conglomerates acquired bid documents in February 2016 to operate, maintain and upgrade the line over a period of 34 years.
The line is expected to service 316,000 passengers a day in its opening year and is projected to entice around 44,000 public and private vehicle users to shift their commutes to the modernized railway.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, dpwh.gov.ph
The P23.3-billion connector road will run from the terminal of Segment 10 on C-3 Road in Caloocan City up to SLEx, mostly passing through the Philippine National Railways tracks.
Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., through Manila North Tollways Corp., signed a 37-year contract in November 2016 to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the road project, which is set to start construction in May 2019.
Some 3,500 informal settlers in 38 barangays and 1,043 privately owned lots with a total land area of 8.7 hectares would be affected by the project, the city government of Manila said in November last year.
Detained Sen. Leila de Lima said in a statement last week that about 180,000 families would be displaced in the demolition of houses and shops to give way to the NLEx-SLEx connector road project and the P171-billion North-South Commuter Railway Project.
North-South Commuter Railway Project
The 653-km south line of the North-South Railway Project is poised to be the biggest public-private partnership project to date.
It will run from Manila to Legazpi City in Albay province.
It will consist of commuter railway operations between Tutuban in Manila and Calamba, Laguna, as well as long-haul railway operations between Tutuban and Legazpi City.
The project, among the public-private partnership deals left hanging by the previous administration, is being reviewed by the Department of Transportation, according to the Public-Private Partnership Center website.
Five Filipino conglomerates acquired bid documents in February 2016 to operate, maintain and upgrade the line over a period of 34 years.
The line is expected to service 316,000 passengers a day in its opening year and is projected to entice around 44,000 public and private vehicle users to shift their commutes to the modernized railway.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, dpwh.gov.ph
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