Construction of underground areas of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) will proceed while the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will coordinate with the Quezon City government to continue works above ground, a transport official said Wednesday.
In a statement, DOTr Spokesperson Goddes Libiran said the department is now in close coordination with the QC government to address construction concerns.
"We understand that the concern is about the above ground structure, and that the construction of underground areas may proceed," she said in a mobile message sent to reporters.
"We will coordinate with the of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter," she elaborated.
This comes a day after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a temporary cease and desist order on the above ground construction of the MRT 7 Quezon Memorial Circle station, citing that it will affect the national heritage park.
"We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win situation," Libiran responded.
The P69.30-billion project covers the development of a 23-kilometer railway system linking North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan with 14 stations.
The DOTr, along with private concessionaire Universal LRT Corp. BVI Limited (ULC), broke ground for the project in April 2016.
As a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the 25-year concession agreement also entails the development of an integrated system including a 22-kilometer highway from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Bocaue Interchange and an intermodal transport terminal next to the San Jose del Monte Station. —LDF, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/metro/726565/dotr-underground-construction-of-mrt7-to-continue/story/
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
San Miguel open to redesigning MRT7 Quezon Memorial Station
Private concessionaire San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday said it is open to make revisions to the design of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT7), given recent issues about the project's above-ground construction of the project.
In a statement, SMC said it will cooperate with stakeholders to deliver the project with minimal delays, even with a possible redesign of the above-ground structure of the station.
"For us, while the order is a setback, we will do everything we can to make sure we keep to the timetable, and at the same time take into account the Mayor's concerns. This includes revisions to the design," SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said.
Construction temporarily suspended after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a temporary cease and desist order on the above-ground works.
According to the local government, a review of the project revealed that it had exceeded the agreed area for construction, with the proposed floor area more than five times the indicated 4,997 square meters in the projects' permit and clearance.
SMC, through its unit Universal LRT Corp. BVI Limited (ULC), is the private concessionaire for the P69.30-billion project.
This covers the development of a 23-kilometer railway system linking North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan through 14 stations.
As a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the 25-year concession agreement also entails the development of an integrated system including a 22-kilometer highway from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Bocaue Interchange and an intermodal transport terminal next to the San Jose del Monte Station
"The resolution of issues is really up to DOTr as main proponent, and the local government unit," said Ang.
For its part, the DOTr said underground construction will continue, while it is in close coordination with the Quezon City LGU to address concerns on above-ground works.
"We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter," said DOTr spokesperson Goddes Libiran.
"We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win situation," she elaborated. — BM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/726564/san-miguel-open-to-redesigning-mrt7-quezon-memorial-station/story/
In a statement, SMC said it will cooperate with stakeholders to deliver the project with minimal delays, even with a possible redesign of the above-ground structure of the station.
"For us, while the order is a setback, we will do everything we can to make sure we keep to the timetable, and at the same time take into account the Mayor's concerns. This includes revisions to the design," SMC president and COO Ramon Ang said.
Construction temporarily suspended after Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a temporary cease and desist order on the above-ground works.
According to the local government, a review of the project revealed that it had exceeded the agreed area for construction, with the proposed floor area more than five times the indicated 4,997 square meters in the projects' permit and clearance.
SMC, through its unit Universal LRT Corp. BVI Limited (ULC), is the private concessionaire for the P69.30-billion project.
This covers the development of a 23-kilometer railway system linking North Avenue, Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan through 14 stations.
As a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the 25-year concession agreement also entails the development of an integrated system including a 22-kilometer highway from the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Bocaue Interchange and an intermodal transport terminal next to the San Jose del Monte Station
"The resolution of issues is really up to DOTr as main proponent, and the local government unit," said Ang.
For its part, the DOTr said underground construction will continue, while it is in close coordination with the Quezon City LGU to address concerns on above-ground works.
"We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter," said DOTr spokesperson Goddes Libiran.
"We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win situation," she elaborated. — BM, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/726564/san-miguel-open-to-redesigning-mrt7-quezon-memorial-station/story/
DOTr to coordinate with QC gov’t on MRT-7 QMC station construction
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will coordinate with the Quezon City government about the reported suspension in the construction of the Metro Rail Transit-7 (MRT-7) at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) station.
On Tuesday, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said she has issued a temporary cease and desist order on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 QMC Station after experts found that the infrastructure is affecting the surface of the QMC, which is a historical landmark.
DOTr Communications Director Goddess Libiran on Wednesday said that the agency is certain that the two parties will be able to “strike a balance” and “obtain a win-win solution.”
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure and that the construction of underground areas may proceed,” she said.
“We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter,” Libiran added.
The MRT-7 project, which started in August 2016, is now more than 50 percent complete. Once operational, the train is expected to cut travel time between Quezon City and Bulacan from two hours to 34 minutes.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1230728/dotr-to-coordinate-with-qc-govt-on-mrt-7-qmc-station-construction
On Tuesday, QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said she has issued a temporary cease and desist order on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 QMC Station after experts found that the infrastructure is affecting the surface of the QMC, which is a historical landmark.
DOTr Communications Director Goddess Libiran on Wednesday said that the agency is certain that the two parties will be able to “strike a balance” and “obtain a win-win solution.”
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure and that the construction of underground areas may proceed,” she said.
“We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter,” Libiran added.
The MRT-7 project, which started in August 2016, is now more than 50 percent complete. Once operational, the train is expected to cut travel time between Quezon City and Bulacan from two hours to 34 minutes.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1230728/dotr-to-coordinate-with-qc-govt-on-mrt-7-qmc-station-construction
MRT-7 underground construction to continue: DOTr
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified on Wednesday the underground construction for the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) station at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) is not affected by the cease and desist order issued by the Quezon City government.
In a message, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the temporary order issued by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte concerned only the rail line's above-ground construction.
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure and that the construction of underground areas may proceed,” Libiran said.
She said the DOTr would discuss the matter immediately with the local government of Quezon City to find a “win-win solution.”
In a statement released on Monday, Belmonte said the temporary suspension order against the construction of the MRT-7 station was issued after historians and environmentalists decried its effects on the national heritage park.
She called for a review of the project after it was found that it exceeded the agreed area for its construction.
“Based on the project's permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. However, the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure,” Belmonte said.
She added that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon -- the Quezon-Avanceña family -- must be given a say on the matter due to its status as a symbol of national heritage.
As of January 15, the DOTr said the construction of the MRT-7 was 50.69 percent complete -- civil works of nine out of its 14 stations underway, 108 of its train cars built, and installation of tracks ongoing.
Once operational, the MRT-7 is expected to service 300,000 to 850,000 passengers daily, with room for expansion to accommodate an increase in ridership.
The rail line, connected to the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), MRT-3, and the Metro Manila Subway through the Common Station currently under construction in North Avenue, is expected to be partially operational by 2021.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094217
In a message, DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said the temporary order issued by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte concerned only the rail line's above-ground construction.
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure and that the construction of underground areas may proceed,” Libiran said.
She said the DOTr would discuss the matter immediately with the local government of Quezon City to find a “win-win solution.”
In a statement released on Monday, Belmonte said the temporary suspension order against the construction of the MRT-7 station was issued after historians and environmentalists decried its effects on the national heritage park.
She called for a review of the project after it was found that it exceeded the agreed area for its construction.
“Based on the project's permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. However, the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure,” Belmonte said.
She added that the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon -- the Quezon-Avanceña family -- must be given a say on the matter due to its status as a symbol of national heritage.
As of January 15, the DOTr said the construction of the MRT-7 was 50.69 percent complete -- civil works of nine out of its 14 stations underway, 108 of its train cars built, and installation of tracks ongoing.
Once operational, the MRT-7 is expected to service 300,000 to 850,000 passengers daily, with room for expansion to accommodate an increase in ridership.
The rail line, connected to the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), MRT-3, and the Metro Manila Subway through the Common Station currently under construction in North Avenue, is expected to be partially operational by 2021.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094217
DOTr in talks with QC gov’t on suspension of above-ground construction of MRT-7
By Alexandria Dennise San Juan
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it will coordinate with the Quezon City local government following its order to delay the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) station in a bid to “preserve the park’s integrity.”
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure, and that the construction of underground areas may proceed. We will coordinate with the local government unit of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter,” DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran told reporters on Wednesday.
“We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win solution,” she added.
Libiran was reacting to the temporary cease and desist order issued by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 QMC station, pending talks with the developer san Miguel Corporation, contractor EEI, and the DOTr.
According to Belmonte, environmentalists and historians pointed out that the station located in QMC, the city’s most famous landmark and a heritage site, was “encroaching on the park’s integrity.”
“We put a temporary stop to the construction of the QMC station because it would affect the landmark’s identity as a national heritage park,” the local executive chief explained.
Belmonte also clarified that the city government is in full support of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, but has grave reservations over the desecration of the famous heritage site, especially that the construction was affecting the surface of the park.
“We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project,” she added.
Apart from the suspension order, Belmonte immediately ordered a review of the project and discovered that it has greatly exceeded the agreed area for construction.
Based on the project’s permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area, but the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure.
The city mayor said they already initiated talks with the involved agencies and stakeholders for clarification and guidance on the MRT-7 construction.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/19/dotr-in-talks-with-qc-govt-on-suspension-of-above-ground-construction-of-mrt-7/
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it will coordinate with the Quezon City local government following its order to delay the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) station in a bid to “preserve the park’s integrity.”
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure, and that the construction of underground areas may proceed. We will coordinate with the local government unit of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter,” DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran told reporters on Wednesday.
“We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win solution,” she added.
Libiran was reacting to the temporary cease and desist order issued by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 QMC station, pending talks with the developer san Miguel Corporation, contractor EEI, and the DOTr.
According to Belmonte, environmentalists and historians pointed out that the station located in QMC, the city’s most famous landmark and a heritage site, was “encroaching on the park’s integrity.”
“We put a temporary stop to the construction of the QMC station because it would affect the landmark’s identity as a national heritage park,” the local executive chief explained.
Belmonte also clarified that the city government is in full support of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program, but has grave reservations over the desecration of the famous heritage site, especially that the construction was affecting the surface of the park.
“We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project,” she added.
Apart from the suspension order, Belmonte immediately ordered a review of the project and discovered that it has greatly exceeded the agreed area for construction.
Based on the project’s permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area, but the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure.
The city mayor said they already initiated talks with the involved agencies and stakeholders for clarification and guidance on the MRT-7 construction.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/19/dotr-in-talks-with-qc-govt-on-suspension-of-above-ground-construction-of-mrt-7/
QC gov’t orders halt to MRT-7 construction above Quezon Memorial Circle
(UPDATE) The Quezon City government suspended on Tuesday the ongoing construction of an MRT-7 station above the Quezon Memorial Circle after environmentalists and historians said “it would affect the landmark's identity as a national heritage park.”
Mayor Joy Belmonte, in a statement, said she ordered a temporary cease and desist order on the station's construction and will have a dialogue with the Department of Transportation, MRT developer San Miguel Corporation, and contractor EEI Corporation about the matter.
Belmonte said she has grave reservations about the desecration of the heritage site, especially as construction was affecting the surface of the park.
"We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project," the mayor said.
The city mayor added that she wants the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Quezon-Avancena Family, the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon, to also have a say on the matter as it will affect the “city’s most famous landmark.”
She has also ordered a review of the project after discovering that it exceeded the agreed area for construction.
“Based on the project's permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. However, the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure,” she said.
Meanwhile, transportation assistant secretary Goddes Libiran has also confirmed with ABS-CBN News that they will be coordinating with the QC government to settle the matter.
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure, and that the construction of underground areas may proceed. We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter. We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win solution,” Libiran said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
At least 44 percent of the new Metro Rail Transit 7 has been completed and 12 out of 14 stations are expected to be operational by 2022, the transport department said during a media tour for the State of the Nation Address last year.
Once completed, the train line will cut travel time from North Avenue Station in Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan to 34 minutes from 4 hours, the agency said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/19/20/qc-govt-orders-halt-to-mrt-7-construction-above-quezon-memorial-circle
Mayor Joy Belmonte, in a statement, said she ordered a temporary cease and desist order on the station's construction and will have a dialogue with the Department of Transportation, MRT developer San Miguel Corporation, and contractor EEI Corporation about the matter.
Belmonte said she has grave reservations about the desecration of the heritage site, especially as construction was affecting the surface of the park.
"We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project," the mayor said.
The city mayor added that she wants the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Quezon-Avancena Family, the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon, to also have a say on the matter as it will affect the “city’s most famous landmark.”
She has also ordered a review of the project after discovering that it exceeded the agreed area for construction.
“Based on the project's permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. However, the proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure,” she said.
Meanwhile, transportation assistant secretary Goddes Libiran has also confirmed with ABS-CBN News that they will be coordinating with the QC government to settle the matter.
“We understand that the concern is about the above-ground structure, and that the construction of underground areas may proceed. We will coordinate with the LGU of Quezon City as soon as possible to discuss and clarify this matter. We are certain that at the end of the day, we will be able to strike a balance and obtain a win-win solution,” Libiran said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
At least 44 percent of the new Metro Rail Transit 7 has been completed and 12 out of 14 stations are expected to be operational by 2022, the transport department said during a media tour for the State of the Nation Address last year.
Once completed, the train line will cut travel time from North Avenue Station in Quezon City to San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan to 34 minutes from 4 hours, the agency said.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/19/20/qc-govt-orders-halt-to-mrt-7-construction-above-quezon-memorial-circle
Joy Belmonte suspends above-ground construction of Quezon Memorial MRT-7 station
By Chito Chavez
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued a temporary cease-and-desist order on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) station, pending talks with developer San Miguel Corporation (SMC), contractor EEI, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
She issued the call after environmentalists and historians complained that the station has encroached on “the park’s integrity.”
The QMC is the city’s most famous landmark and a heritage site.
Belmonte said her administration “is in full support of the national government’s Build, Build, Build program, but has grave reservations about the desecration of the famous heritage site, especially as construction was affecting the surface of the park.”
“We put a temporary stop to the construction of the QMC station because it would affect the landmark’s identity as a national heritage park,” Belmonte explained.
“We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project.”
Belmonte also immediately ordered a review of the project, and discovered that it has greatly exceeded the agreed area for construction.
Based on the project’s permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. This proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure.
“We have initiated talks with the Department of Transportation, contractor EEI, the San Miguel Corporation, and the National Housing Authority, and other stakeholders for clarification and guidance,” Belmonte said.
Because of QMC’s status as a historical landmark, Belmonte wants the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Quezon-Avanceña Family, the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon, to have a say in the matter.
The MRT 7 is one of seven mass transit infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration currently being undertaken in Quezon City.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/18/joy-belmonte-suspends-above-ground-construction-of-quezon-memorial-mrt-7-station/
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has issued a temporary cease-and-desist order on the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC) station, pending talks with developer San Miguel Corporation (SMC), contractor EEI, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
She issued the call after environmentalists and historians complained that the station has encroached on “the park’s integrity.”
The QMC is the city’s most famous landmark and a heritage site.
Belmonte said her administration “is in full support of the national government’s Build, Build, Build program, but has grave reservations about the desecration of the famous heritage site, especially as construction was affecting the surface of the park.”
“We put a temporary stop to the construction of the QMC station because it would affect the landmark’s identity as a national heritage park,” Belmonte explained.
“We want to look for a win-win solution that would protect our open spaces while advancing the welfare of thousands of commuters who will benefit from the mass transport project.”
Belmonte also immediately ordered a review of the project, and discovered that it has greatly exceeded the agreed area for construction.
Based on the project’s permit and clearance, the contractor indicated 4,997 square meters as its floor area. This proposed floor area is more than five times the approved figure.
“We have initiated talks with the Department of Transportation, contractor EEI, the San Miguel Corporation, and the National Housing Authority, and other stakeholders for clarification and guidance,” Belmonte said.
Because of QMC’s status as a historical landmark, Belmonte wants the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Quezon-Avanceña Family, the descendants of the late Manuel L. Quezon, to have a say in the matter.
The MRT 7 is one of seven mass transit infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration currently being undertaken in Quezon City.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/18/joy-belmonte-suspends-above-ground-construction-of-quezon-memorial-mrt-7-station/
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