The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P495 million to settle the right-of-way (ROW) payment for properties affected by the NLEX-SLEX connector road project (NSCRP).
In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the DBM approved a special allotment release order (SARO) amounting to P495 million to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The ROW fund is charged against the DPWH budget for 2023, and was approved for release by Pangandaman on Feb. 22, 2023.
“As we continue the timely release of funds under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, the DBM also ensures that priority projects and programs of the Marcos Jr. administration will be provided with the needed budget at the soonest possible time,” Pangadaman said.
“The budget for the right-of-way payments for the NSCRP will definitely boost our Build, Better, More program,” she added.
Pangandaman said right-of-way is among the most crucial parts of the project, thus “securing the payment for all affected properties is very important.”
The NSCRP, an approximately 8-kilometer, elevated four-lane toll expressway, aims to stimulate development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas, as well as its surrounding areas.
The project likewise seeks to help decongest traffic in Metro Manila.
