Villar family willing to donate their land for LRT 1 extension project — DOTr chief

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said there are no issues regarding the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition needed to complete the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension.

Contrary to some reports, Lopez stated that the Villar family has offered to donate part of their property to help expedite the rail project.

“As a matter of fact, the Villar family wants to donate their land,” Lopez said during an interview on DZRH’s Dos por Dos program.

The Villar family is headed by former Senate President Manny Villar, head of the Villar Group of Companies that include property developments, shopping centers, and supermarkets. His wife Cynthia was a former senator and his children are also currently senators: Senator Mark Villar and Senator Camille Villar.

Lopez explained that before the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project could proceed, a comprehensive traffic study must first be conducted before deciding whether to dismantle the C-5 Quirino Flyover.

He also cited that a flyover could potentially “co-exist” alongside the LRT-1 extension.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to immediately resolve the lingering right-of-way bottlenecks hampering the project's progress.

the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) had reiterated its commitment to complete the full stretch of the extension before Marcos’ term ends in 2028.

Phase 1 of the project connects Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City via five new stations: Redemptorist-ASEANA, MIA Road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos.

Meanwhile, Phases 2 and 3 cover the Cavite leg, which includes the remaining stations yet to be constructed: Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog.

-Paraluman News