President Marcos orders acceleration of Marawi reconstruction, completion of Metro rail common station

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed relevant authorities to accelerate the long-delayed rehabilitation of Marawi City and improve transport connectivity across Metro Manila, following updates presented at the Eighth Economy and Development Council meeting.

The Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi (RDPGM) Stage 2 aims to restore transport infrastructure, energy, and water systems, and rebuild livable communities.

The project includes the rehabilitation and construction of 26.59 kilometers of roads, bridges, drainage systems, and slope protection, in support of the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program (BMCRRP).

Of the seven sub-projects, two road sub-projects have been completed, while five are ongoing, including three roads, one viaduct, and six bridges.

The total project cost is proposed to increase by 26.55 percent, from PhP7.52 billion to PhP9.51 billion, due to updated requirements for civil works, consultancy services, and right-of-way acquisition.

The implementation period, originally set from September 2018 to June 30, 2027, may be extended to March 31, 2028. As of January 2026, the project is 19.61 percent complete.

President Marcos ordered an assessment of the feasibility of completing the project by 2028, the proposed funding sources, and mechanisms to prevent further procurement delays that could affect civil works.

Completed infrastructure under the BMCRRP includes permanent shelters, power supply systems, and key facilities such as Marawi City General Hospital, Port of Marawi City, Marawi Dansalan Integrated School, Marawi Central Fire Station, and Grand Padian Market with an ice plant.

Ongoing projects include the bulk water supply initiative by the Local Water Utilities Administration, set for completion by May 2026, as well as ancillary facilities at MDIS.

The council also reviewed the processing of Marawi Compensation Board claims, noting that 2,288 claims benefited 2,280 claimants and totaled PhP3.85 billion in compensation processed from 2023 to February 2026.

The President emphasized the need to accelerate the rehabilitation of Marawi City and strengthen infrastructure projects to restore mobility, enhance economic activity, and ensure the timely delivery of benefits to the people. 

Meanwhile, the Unified Grand Central Common Station (UGCS) project, aimed at improving rail and road-based connectivity in Metro Manila, has faced delays due to contractor performance issues.

The contract of the design-build contractor BF Corporation and Foresight Development and Surveying Company (BFC-FDSC) was terminated on May 14, 2025, after achieving 67.03 percent completion and disbursing PhP1.37 billion of the PhP2.8 billion total project cost.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to push for interim operations connecting LRT Line 1 and MRT Lines 3 and 7 by the first semester of 2027.

The President directed proper communication on the termination, ensured timely approvals for priority projects, and prevented post-facto decisions by the ED Council to safeguard public interest.