LRT-2 West extension delayed as LRTA prioritizes relocation, right-of-way clearance

GMA Network

11-06-2025

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is shifting its focus to resolving right-of-way and relocation issues as the primary bottlenecks delaying the LRT-2 West Extension project, LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on June 11, 2025.
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is shifting its focus to resolving right-of-way and relocation issues which it says are the primary bottlenecks delaying the LRT-2 West Extension project.
Originally estimated at just over P10 billion, the project's cost has ballooned to P17 billion due to inflation, expansion, and relocation needs. The 5-kilometer extension—set to connect Recto to the Manila North Harbor area with three new stations—has yet to begin construction as the agency grapples with land clearance and informal settler relocation.
"Ang ginagawa natin based sa marching orders we received from the OTR, nagko-concentrate kami ngayon sa aayos ng ating right-of-way,' LRTA Administrator Hernando Cabrera said during his Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.
(Based on the marching orders we received from the Department of Transportation, we're currently focused on resolving right-of-way issues.)
He emphasized the need to fully clear the route before construction can proceed, citing potential obstructions like utility lines and informal settlements. Coordination with Meralco, Maynilad, and local government units is underway to expedite this process.
"So by the time na makuha natin ang funding or magkaroon tayo ng tamang modality how to implement the project, clear na lahat iyong right-of-way na kailangan natin," he said.
(So by the time we secure the funding or decide on the implementation modality, the entire right-of-way will already be cleared.)
One of the most challenging aspects of the project is the in-city relocation of affected residents, especially in the congested pier area, Cabrera also said. Unlike previous relocation efforts that transferred communities to distant provinces, affected residents have requested to stay within Manila.
"Lumalabas na ang relocation natin in-city ang gusto ng ating mga kababayan na apektado," he said.
(It turns out that our affected fellow citizens prefer in-city relocation.)
This preference significantly increases the cost, but Cabrera says it minimizes the social and economic impact on communities.
Despite a completed feasibility study—funded by a grant from the Korean government—progress remains slow. The LRTA cannot begin procurement without the full project budget.
"You cannot start any procurement kung hindi kompleto ang pera mo, ang budget mo. So yan ang nag-delay hanggang ngayon," he said.
(You can't start any procurement if you don't have the full funds or budget. That's what's been causing the delay.)
Once completed, the LRT-2 West Extension is expected to significantly improve connectivity across Metro Manila. It will link with the Philippine National Railways (PNR) in Tutuban and provide direct access to inter-island ferries at the North Harbor.
"Very convenient doon sa mga kababayan natin na bumabyahi doon using ang inter-island ferry kasi from there pwede silang sumakay ng L2 all the way sa Antipolo."
(It will be very convenient for our fellow citizens using the inter-island ferry, since from there they can take the LRT-2 all the way to Antipolo.)
The extension is part of a broader effort to enhance intermodal transport integration in Metro Manila, along with the ongoing Line 1 Cavite extension which is currently moving into Phase 2.
Meanwhile, the LRTA's '1+3 Pamilya Pass' program—which allows one paying adult to bring up to three family members for free every Sunday—has seen a dramatic rise in ridership.
"Noong June 1, mga 700 plus lang ang family na nag-avail. But June 8 naging 4,000 na yan."
(On June 1, only around 700 families availed. But by June 8, it grew to 4,000.) — BM, GMA Integrated News