New PNR chairman named

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has named a corporate executive as chairman of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), the state-run firm that operates the most extensive intra-island railway in Luzon.

Michael Ted Macapagal was appointed to the post on April 28, according to the PNR website. He took his oath of office before Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista last May 2.

The PNR said Macapagal is a member of the board of directors of the Philippine National Oil Co. and a former director of the Clark Board and Gulf Oil Philippines.

He used to be a corporate executive based in San Francisco, California and is the first Filipino to have managed a major title insurance company in the United States, the PNR added.

Macapagal also held key posts in political parties, namely as PDP-Laban chapter president in Olongapo City from 2016 to 2021 and local chairman of the Lakas-CMD.

He and PNR general manager Jeremy Region will implement the construction of the 35-station North-South Commuter Railway Project that will link Clark, Pampanga and Calamba City, Laguna.  The Asian Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency are funding the 147.26-kilometers project, which has a total cost of P873.62 billion.