Calls to Remove C-5 Quirino Highway Flyover
A prominent lawmaker has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to dismantle a section of the C-5 Quirino Highway flyover in Las Piñas. The flyover reportedly obstructs the P65-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 Cavite extension project, hindering its progress.
Rep. Mark Anthony Santos introduced House Resolution No. 19, which centers on a congressional inquiry into the removal of the controversial flyover segment. According to sources familiar with the issue, Santos highlighted significant delays in the final phase of the extension, particularly affecting the Las Piñas and Zapote stations.
Delays Impact Commuters and Government Funds
“Every year of delay means commuters suffer, traffic worsens, and government funds bleed due to avoidable mistakes. This is not just inefficiency — it borders on gross negligence,” Santos said in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the flyover obstruction.
Officials noted that the obstructing flyover segment should be demolished rather than forcing the government to spend an additional P1 billion on redesigning and realigning the remaining stations. Santos argued that dismantling this portion is a more practical and justifiable solution to avoid unnecessary expenses on taxpayers.
Summoning Transportation Authorities
In addition, Santos called on the House committee on transportation chairperson, Rep. Franz Pumaren of Quezon City’s 3rd District, and other relevant committee leaders to summon officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and DPWH. The goal is to clarify the decision-making process behind constructing a flyover that stands directly on the LRT alignment.
Community members pointed out that the flyover, built in 2024, is now the largest barrier delaying the completion of Phase 2 of the LRT extension.
Project Updates and Financial Concerns
Earlier reports from transportation officials indicated plans to allocate P3 billion for constructing the Talaba Station, located between Zapote and Niog Stations along the LRT1 Cavite extension. The Light Rail Manila Corp. is spearheading this ambitious project.
Sources said the Las Piñas and Zapote stations are targeted for completion by 2028, with right-of-way issues resolved. The final stations, Talaba and Niog, are expected to be operational by 2030.
However, Santos stressed the broader implications: “This isn’t just about a construction delay — it’s about whether billions of pesos in public funds were wasted because government agencies failed to talk to each other, or worse, ignored the problem altogether.”
For more news and updates on LRT 1 Cavite extension project, visit Filipinokami.com.
