The Department of Transportation announced that construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 Cavite Extension is progressing after a key right‑of‑way issue has been cleared.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez confirmed that the right‑of‑way dispute along the alignment has been resolved.
The resolution followed an investigation into allegations that the Villar siblings were obstructing the project.
Lopez said the property would be donated as part of the extension.
In June, Senator Mark A. Villar denied claims that he had caused delays.
The President directed the Department of Transportation to finish the Cavite Extension by 2028.
The Light Rail Transit Authority aims to secure right‑of‑way for Segments 2 and 3 within the year.
Light Rail Manila Corp. opened Phase 1 of the extension in 2024, adding five stations and extending the line 6.2 kilometers from Baclaran in Pasay to Dr. Santos in Parañaque.
Phases 2 and 3 will add stations in Las Piñas, Zapote, and Niog, serving parts of Cavite.
A flyover along the alignment presents a challenge for the remaining right‑of‑way acquisition; potential realignment would require further assessments and traffic studies.
The Department of Transportation remains confident that the flyover can coexist with the current alignment.
Last year, the Department of Transportation requested an additional P3 billion to construct an extra station in Bacoor City.
Light Rail Manila Corp. is a joint venture of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings.
Metro Pacific Light Rail is part of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., which is a subsidiary of First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside PLDT Inc. and Philex Mining Corp.
