MRT 3 second phase still on track

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza assured the public yesterday that there will be no delay in the implementation of the second phase of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) project from North Avenue-EDSA in Quezon City to Monumento, Caloocan even as he denied any rift with presidential adviser on strategic projects Gloria Tan Climaco.

"The MRT project will push through as scheduled. President Arroyo is committed to make it operational during her term to provide much relief to the commuters in the metropolis by completing the MRT loop," Mendoza said.

He was reacting to the concern raised by Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice who said there have been reports of a possible rift between the DOTC chief and Climaco which is allegedly causing delay in the completion of the MRT 3 project.

"On the contrary, we are fast-tracking its completion as I have directed concerned agencies under DOTC to ensure that problems arising from funding to documentation are properly addressed," Mendoza said.

The DOTC chief said his department is set to complete the remaining 5.1-kilometer stretch from EDSA-North Avenue to Monumento, Caloocan after it was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Mendoza said the government is making sure that there will be no delay in the completion of the project as it would shorten the travel time from Monumento in Caloocan to Taft Avenue in Pasay City via the EDSA corridor. – Sheila Crisostomo