DOTr eyes P180-B budget for 2025 for big projects

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking a P180.89-billion budget for 2025, up by 144.35 percent compared to the current year, to fund big-ticket infrastructure projects in railways and airports, among others, to improve mobility and connectivity across the country.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, during a House budget hearing on Wednesday, said that 74 percent or P133.34 billion would go to capital outlays as the DOTr realizes several mass transport projects. Based on his presentation, the DOTr wants P92.01 million for the Metro Manila Subway project and P136.19 million for North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

The underground railway project is designed to have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City and will service over 519,000 passengers per day. The NSCR, meanwhile, will have 35 stations linking Pampanga to Laguna and can accommodate 800,000 passengers daily. In aviation, DOTr requested the biggest funding for the New Dumaguete Airport Development project at P6.13 million. —TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD