The ambitious PHP 200-billion Makati Subway project has been declared “no longer economically and operationally feasible” by its contractor, Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc., due to ongoing territorial disputes between Makati and Taguig. This marks a significant setback for what would have been a critical addition to Metro Manila’s public transportation infrastructure.
Derailed by Jurisdictional Changes
The project’s suspension stems from a Supreme Court ruling that transferred the jurisdiction of a number of barangays from Makati to Taguig City. The affected areas, collectively known as the “embo” (enlisted men’s Barrios) barangays, include Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Pitogo, Rizal, Post Proper Northside, and Post Proper Southside.
This territorial redistribution has fundamentally altered the planned alignment of the 11KM subway system, which had been designed to accommodate approximately 700,000 daily commuters. The ruling was based on historical, documentary, and testimonial evidence, and has effectively undermined the project’s original feasibility studies and operational plans.
Impact on Metro Manila’s Commuting Public
The indefinite suspension of the Makati Subway project is a significant blow to Metro Manila’s commuters, who continue to face severe transportation challenges daily. It would have provided a crucial alternative to the congested roads and overtaxed public transportation options currently available.
For the hundreds of thousands of workers, students, and residents who travel to and from Makati’s central business district daily, the subway would offer a faster, more reliable commuting option. The cancellation of the project will likely result in continued traffic congestion, longer commutes, and increased transportation costs for many Metro Manila residents.
Construction Activities Suspended, Arbitration Initiated
According to Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc.’s latest financial report, construction activities for the subway project have been suspended. The company has also initiated arbitration proceedings with the Singapore International Arbitration Center to resolve issues related to its joint venture agreement with the Makati City government.
This legal approach suggests that the project’s stakeholders recognize the complexity of the situation and are seeking an impartial resolution that might potentially salvage some aspects of the initiative.
Potential Path Forward
While the subway project appears to be at an impasse, transportation experts suggest that a collaborative approach between Makati and Taguig could potentially revive the initiative. A joint development agreement that acknowledges the new territorial boundaries while preserving the project’s core objectives could provide a way forward.
Such cooperation would require both local governments to prioritize the greater good of the commuting public over jurisdictional disputes. A restructured project could potentially incorporate stations serving both cities, creating a transportation system that benefits residents regardless of municipal boundaries.
Broader Implications for Infrastructure Development
This situation highlights the vulnerability of large-scale infrastructure projects to political and administrative changes. It also underscores the importance of securing clear legal frameworks and intergovernmental agreements before committing substantial resources to major development initiatives.
For Metro Manila’s transportation future, the suspension of the Makati Subway project emphasizes the need for coordinated metropolitan planning that transcends individual city jurisdictions. As the region continues to grapple with transportation challenges, projects that serve the broader public interest should ideally be insulated from local territorial disputes.
The commuting public can only hope that Makati and Taguig will eventually find common ground, recognizing that effective public transportation benefits all residents regardless of which city government collects the taxes or claims the territory. Until then, the vision of an efficient subway system serving one of Metro Manila’s busiest districts remains unfulfilled.
Emman has been writing technical and feature articles since 2010. Prior to this, he became one of the instructors at Asia Pacific College in 2008, and eventually landed a job as Business Analyst and Technical Writer at Integrated Open Source Solutions for almost 3 years.
