The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Friday that the government has struck a deal with the Villar Group of Companies regarding donated land needed to advance the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project.
Following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite major transit initiatives, the Villar Group agreed to firm government conditions to hand over two mortgaged properties essential for the upcoming Las Piñas station.
Under the terms, the group will grant an unconditional permit to enter the site, issue a waiver of subrogation, and clear the property mortgage within six months. Official signing of the documents is scheduled within the month, paving the way for construction activities to begin next year.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez welcomed the breakthrough, noting that it resolves a primary bottleneck that had previously stalled progress.
”This development is good for DOTr, LRMC (Light Rail Manila Corporation, LRTA (Light Rail Transit Authority) and the Villar Group, but best for the commuting public. Itong pagkakasundo natin, talagang commuters ang pangunahing makikinabang, at ‘yun naman talaga dapat ang priority natin,” Lopez said.
”Nagpapasalamat ang DOTr sa Villar Group of Companies dahil sa inyong cooperation para mapabilis natin itong proseso. Ang laging bilin sa atin ng Pangulo, dapat mapakinabangan na ng commuters ‘yung mga transport projects natin sa lalong madaling panahon at resolbahin na rin ang mga dapat ayusin.”
Light Rail Manila Corporation President Enrico Benipayo similarly praised the agreement for removing a major obstacle to the rail line’s expansion.
”I see that there’s this urgency from the government to provide relief for passengers. And on the part of the Villars (Group of Companies) there’s a good sign that they’re talking to the grantors in good faith,” he said.
Phase 1 of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension—spanning five stations from Redemptorist-Aseana to Dr. Santos (Sucat)—opened to the public in November 2024. The next development phase will cover the remaining stations in Las Piñas, Zapote, and Bacoor, Cavite.