The Makati-Taguig territorial dispute causes setbacks for the Makati subway project
The territorial dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig that was finally resolved by the Supreme Court in 2021 has resulted in unintended consequences. According to a recent filing at the Philippine Stock Exchange, the private proponent of the P200-billion Makati subway project warns that the alignment of the subway will no longer be feasible due to the high tribunal’s ruling. They have written a notice to the Makati City government to propose discussions regarding the change in law brought by the Supreme Court decision.
The transfer of jurisdiction over the 10 enlisted men’s barrios, including the Bonifacio Global City business district, will have an impact on the train depot in Barangay Cembo and the proposed stations near the University of Makati and Ospital ng Makati. This is significant as the 11-kilometer Makati subway project, signed in 2019, is a major joint venture infrastructure project between the local government and the private sector, aiming to connect critical areas in the Makati business district.
The agreement between the Makati City government and Philippine InfraDev Holdings Inc. involved the transfer of beneficial ownership of properties to the latter in exchange for preferred shares in the company. In 2021, the engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the first phase of the subway project was awarded to China Construction Second Engineering Bureau Co. Ltd.
The Makati subway project is expected to create 10,000 jobs in construction and operation, and it will play a vital role in the public transport network of the congested metropolis. It will provide an alternative for commuters from different parts of Metro Manila, with plans for interconnection with the Bonifacio Global City sky train.
To salvage the project, negotiations among the private proponent and the local governments of Makati and Taguig should begin immediately. Makati City may need to offer an equity share to Taguig as a result of the Supreme Court decision. Taguig, on the other hand, must issue the necessary permits for Philippine InfraDev to proceed with the subway project. A solution must be reached to ensure that commuters are not further inconvenienced and that the completion of the subway system, scheduled for 2025, is not derailed.
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