Senatorial candidates from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Friday called for the nationwide expansion of mass transport projects, citing the Metro Rail Transit-Line 7 (MRT-7) as a model for economic growth and urban development in other regions.
In a press conference, Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar highlighted how improved connectivity through infrastructure like MRT-7 boosts productivity, job creation and local businesses.
“Nakikita naman natin with the MRT-7 na ‘pag napaganda natin ‘yung interconnectivity at ‘pag may imprastruktura na dumarating sa isang bayan ay nagkakaroon ng increase in output productivity and increase sa trabaho,” Villar said.
According to her, San Jose del Monte’s (SJDM) growth is proof that investment in mass transit leads to better jobs, housing, and economic opportunities.
“Ito ang isang magandang halimbawa ng development ng siyudad that is prepped on economic development. So, ang gusto natin dito is mas i-prepare ‘yung mga taga-[SJDM] for more jobs, better jobs, better infrastructure, and a very good housing program,” she said.
In the same press conference, reelectionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino stressed that SJDM should not just be a commuter hub but an integral part of the Mega Manila economy.
“[SJDM] will play a big role because it will not just be a bedroom community for Metro Manila. It would be a de facto member of the Mega Manila community. We have to prepare for that,” said Tolentino, who once served as chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Tolentino proposed amending Executive Order No. 325 to expand Regional Development Councils (RDCs), ensuring that cities like SJDM, Bacoor in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna are included in Metro Manila’s transport planning.
“I would endeavor to amend the existing Executive Order 325 which calls for the creation of Regional Development Councils. Modesty aside, when I was MMDA chairman, ako rin po ‘yung chairman ng RDC-NCR (National Capital Region) and that was the time when the MRT-7 was signed,” he pointed out.
Tolentino said MRT-7 would ease congestion along Commonwealth Avenue and North Luzon Expressway, while encouraging residents from Metro Manila to move to growth centers like SJDM.
Villar stressed the urgency of completing MRT-7 on time, saying its success should inspire similar projects nationwide.
“The timely completion of the MRT-7 is very important and that would be one of our priorities in the future. What happened in [SJDM] with the MRT-7 is an excellent example that we should follow in other parts of the country to decongest the urban areas and to propel or mas mapabilis ‘yung development and economic growth in other parts of the country,” she said.
Villar also noted that better transportation infrastructure lowers costs, improves efficiency and generates employment.
“Infrastructure should not only make us more efficient, hindi lang para mas lalong maging mabilis ang travel time, and maging mas mura ang ating mga goods. Kasi kapag may interconnectivity, transportation is not as expensive and also infrastructure as a sector provides a lot of jobs. So, dapat magkaroon tayo ng marami pang proyekto katulad ng MRT-7,” Villar said.
Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, who also served as MMDA chair, argued that building more roads alone will not solve congestion, saying mass transit must be prioritized.
“Ako din po ay dating MMDA Chairman at parati kong sinasabi noong araw pa maski magkaroon tayo ng odd-even coding, maski magkaroon pa tayo ng maraming tulay o kaya mas marami pang kalye dadami lang po ang kotse, ang bilis ng production ng kotse,” Abalos said.
He criticized poor urban planning that failed to integrate railway systems into key infrastructure projects like the Manila Bay reclamation.
“Sayang nga itong ginagawang reclamation area, sana maaga pa lang bago maaprubahan ay nilagyan na rin ng provision for trains para makadaan. Just imagine itong Roxas Boulevard nagkakaproblema tayo tuwing gabi tungkol dito sa malalaking mga 10-wheeler. Isipin mo kung magkakaroon kayo ng railways from the port, ilalagay po sa reclaimed area, ang laking bagay sana ito kung naiplano ng maigi,” he said.
MRT-7 is a 22.8-kilometer elevated railway linking North Avenue in Quezon City, to SJDM City. With 14 stations, it aims to ease congestion and boost economic activity by transporting up to 850,000 passengers daily once fully operational.
MRT-7 connects with MRT-3 and LRT-1 at North Avenue, improving metro-wide transit. The project also includes a 23-kilometer highway from SJDM to Bocaue, Bulacan.
MRT-7 is now expected to be fully operational by 2025.
The Alyansa slate also includes Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and ACT-CIS Rep. and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo.