Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez assured the public that major infrastructure commitments—including the Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway, and MRT developments—remain “doable” if unforeseen setbacks are avoided.
Speaking in an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Lopez, a CPA-lawyer who has been with the DOTr for eight years, said the agency is determined to deliver on projects initiated under former Secretary Vince Dizon such as the north-south railways, subway stations among others.
“Doable po. Sabi nga sa akin [ni Sec. Dizon] paninindigan natin ‘yan. At paninindigan po namin. Kung walang mga unforeseen events sa tingin namin kaya namin gawin. ‘Yon lang kailangan namin tutukan nang tutukan,” Lopez stressed.
Lower Airfares to Siargao
Lopez announced progress in efforts to reduce domestic airfare, starting with Siargao flights. He confirmed that Philippine Airlines (PAL) has cut its maximum fare for the one way ticket to Manila-Siargao route from ₱17,500 to ₱11,000.
High fares, he explained, are partly due to the short runway at Siargao Airport, which only accommodates smaller aircraft with fewer seats but similar operating costs to larger jets.
To address this, the DOTr is working on a runway extension project. However, coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is required since mangroves are located at one end of the runway.
Additionally, a new and bigger passenger terminal is under construction in Siargao. The current terminal accommodates only 200 passengers, while the new facility will hold up to 750.
Lopez said the DOTr is also set to meet with PAL and Cebu Pacific to explore further fare adjustments and possible incentives for airlines, ensuring commuters benefit without compromising airline viability.
Beep Cards for Students, Seniors, and PWDs
The DOTr will launch new “white beep cards” on September 15 for students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens, offering automatic 50% fare discounts.
Unlike the old system, the cards can be printed instantly at train stations. Student beep cards will be valid for one year, while those for seniors and PWDs will have lifetime validity.
Lopez confirmed that while the cards are not yet usable on the EDSA bus carousel, integration across different transport modes is being planned, similar to Singapore’s Octopus card system.
Railway and Train Projects
The DOTr aims to complete the Malolos-Valenzuela section of the North-South Commuter Railway by 2027. Lopez said while full operations may not be achieved within President Marcos’ term, international operators are being invited through bidding roadshows abroad, including in Japan.
He also revealed that the 9-car Dalian train has been cleared for use by Sumitomo and will be launched this year.
New Bus Services and Traffic Solutions
The DOTr is expanding its “Love Bus” program, already operating in Cebu and Davao, to Metro Manila. The service provides affordable transport during peak hours, saving commuters up to ₱70 daily.
Initial routes in Manila are being studied by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), with Quezon Avenue identified as a priority area for a dedicated bus lane.
Passenger Assistance
Lopez said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have been directed to provide free water and food to passengers during flight delays and cancellations—on top of what airlines already provide.
The acting secretary concluded by assuring the public he will personally visit transport facilities to monitor operations and commuter concerns.
