SMC pushing through with Pasig River tollway

MANILA, Philippines — The government has confirmed that San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will pursue the controversial Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), with construction expected to begin as early as next year.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)recently received a letter from SMC affirming its commitment to build the P100-billion toll road above the Pasig River.

TRB executive director Alvin Carullo said SMC vowed to deliver the final engineering design by the deadline in October and obtain an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

Likewise, SMC promised to redesign the project to consider insights from environmental groups and heritage advocates. For instance, the alignment has to be revised to address concerns that the tollway sits too close to the presidential residence in Malacañang.

On top of this, Carullo believes SMC may face challenges given the opposition from environmental activists.

 SMC also has to get a no objection from each of the local governments of the cities where the expressway will pass through.

If SMC completes these requirements, Carullo said there is a possibility that it can begin the civil works for the project by 2025.

“San Miguel wrote to us that they will comply with the requirements vis a vis the environmental [compliance] certificate. As of now, they are not abandoning the project. As of now, PAREX is a live project,” Carullo said.

In March, SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang had said he is scrapping PAREX in deference to mounting opposition from environmental and heritage groups against the project.

Based on the original proposal, PAREX will run for around 20 kilometers on top of Pasig River, covering Radial Road 10 and C6 Road to link the eastern and western portions of Metro Manila. It is estimated to cost P99.5 billion, of which P95.4 billion is for civil works and P4.14 billion is for right of way.

However, Carullo said there is a chance that the project cost would change once SMC adjusts the alignment. He noted that as part of protocol, SMC has to come up with a new project cost once it has submitted the final engineering design.

Environmental lobby groups such as Greenpeace Philippines oppose the construction of PAREX, saying that the project will disrupt the flow of Pasig River and could worsen flooding in Metro Manila.

Similarly, the tollway was scored for its possible harm to air and noise pollution in the metro, as the construction of another expressway will induce demand for vehicles.