The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is seeking a substantial increase in funding for railway development in 2027, proposing ₱197.3 billion to advance major transportation projects across the country.
The proposed allocation under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is more than three times the ₱55.34 billion appropriated for the Rail Transport Program under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the proposed budget represents an additional ₱141.96 billion, equivalent to a 256.54% increase from this year’s allocation.
Nearly the entire proposed railway budget—about ₱191.28 billion or close to 97%—would be directed toward two major infrastructure initiatives: the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System and Phase I of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
The NSCR is set to receive the biggest share at ₱123.84 billion, a significant increase from the ₱28.79 billion allocated to the project in the 2026 GAA.
“The NSCR is envisioned as a major transport backbone connecting Metro Manila with the fast-growing economic centers of Central Luzon and Calabarzon,” the DBM said.
The NSCR consists of several segments, including the 37.75-kilometer Tutuban-Malolos line. Planned extensions include a 52.65-kilometer route linking Malolos in Bulacan to Clark in Pampanga and a 56.86-kilometer section connecting Solis in Manila to Calamba in Laguna.
When fully completed, the railway network is expected to operate across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga and Laguna through 35 stations.
The Tutuban-Malolos portion alone is projected to accommodate more than 300,000 passengers each day during its first year of operation. It is also expected to shorten the journey between Tutuban and Malolos to roughly 35 minutes.
Meanwhile, Phase I of the Metro Manila Subway Project is proposed to receive ₱67.44 billion in 2027, compared with its ₱20.39-billion allocation under the 2026 GAA.
The project will become the Philippines’ first underground urban railway, covering approximately 33 kilometers and featuring 17 stations. Its main route will run between Valenzuela and Bicutan, while a spur line will provide a connection to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The subway is being developed to integrate with both existing and planned railway networks, including MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-1, LRT-2 and the future MRT-4.
Connections with the NSCR are also planned at the Senate, FTI and Bicutan stations. These links are expected to allow passengers to transfer more conveniently between different rail systems.
Other railway initiatives are likewise included in the proposed 2027 spending program.
The LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project is slated for ₱1.17 billion, higher than its ₱799.64 million allocation in 2026. The 11.7-kilometer extension will extend the line from Baclaran to Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite.
The MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation Project is proposed to receive ₱1.94 billion, nearly quadrupling its ₱500 million allocation under the 2026 GAA.
The funding will be used for rehabilitation and improvements involving the railway’s trains, tracks, signaling, power supply, overhead catenary, communications systems, depot facilities and station equipment. The MRT-3 runs for approximately 16.9 kilometers.
The proposed budget also includes around ₱603.89 million for the interim operation of the LRT-1 South Extension Project-Common Station. The facility is intended to provide an interchange between LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7 along the EDSA-North Avenue area, with a future connection to the Metro Manila Subway.
The DBM said the proposed ₱197.30-billion rail allocation for 2027 is ₱73.18 billion, or 58.96%, higher than the ₱124.12 billion initially proposed for rail transportation under the 2026 NEP.
The increased investment reflects the administration’s focus on expanding the country’s railway infrastructure as it seeks to improve public transport, reduce commuting times, ease road congestion and strengthen connections between residential areas, employment centers and economic hubs.