Marawi rehab, Manila subway project to be discussed during Duterte’s Japan visit

MANILA, Philippines — The Mega Manila Subway Project and the rehabilitation of Marawi City will be among the topics to be discussed during the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Japan by the end of October.

In a Palace briefing on Thursday, Japanese Deputy Head of Mission Takehiro Kano said that Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe might also tackle South China Sea disputes and nuclear issues of North Korea.

Duterte will visit Tokyo on October 29 to 31 to meet with Abe and other high-ranking officials to enhance the “strategic partnership” between the two nations.

Kano described the relationship between the Philippine and Japan as “robust.”

“Japan and the Philippines share the common values such as freedom, democracy and rule of law so our bilateral relationship is robust across different administrations,” he said.

Kano clarified that there has been no announcement yet if Duterte will meet with Emperor Akihito of Japan.

Duterte’s visit to Japan came after Abe’s ultra-conservative Liberal Democratic Party scored a fresh election victory. 

Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said that DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, Department of Trade and Industry Ramon Lopez and other economic managers will join Duterte in Japan.

Duterte visited Japan in October last year, which was capped by investment pledges worth $1.8 billion.

READ: Duterte to visit Japan again in October

Japan’s Marawi assistance

After lauding the efforts of the Philippine government to put a conclusion to Marawi siege, Kano said that Japan is considering the ways on how to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the war-torn city.

In September, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced that Japan has pledged P100 million for Marawi rehabilitation.

“So far, we have provided some humanitarian assistance. But right now, we are in a different phase and we are in a close contact with the Philippine government,” he said.

Kano added: “With the needs assessment and information provided by the Philippine government, we will see what we can do.”

READ: How other countries helped regain Marawi

Mega Manila Subway Project      

Last month, the board of the National Economic and Development Authority has approved the first phase of the Japan-funded Mega Manila Subway Project scheduled to begin construction next year.

The first phase of the subway has an estimated initial investment requirement of P355.588 billion. It will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City through FTI in Taguig and end at NAIA in Parañaque City.

The project will be financed by official development assistance coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency which will bear an interest rate of 0.10 percent per annum payable in 40 years, with a grace period of 12 years.

READ: Mega Manila Subway to start construction next year – NEDA