San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Tuesday formalized a right-of-way agreement with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Veterans Association of the Philippines to accelerate the construction of the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME), also known as Skyway 4.
The agreement paves the way for the 32.66-kilometer toll road which will connect the Skyway System at Arca South in Taguig City to the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. Once completed, the SEMME is expected to ease congestion on major thoroughfares like EDSA and C-5, providing motorists with an alternative route that bypasses traffic-heavy corridors.
“This agreement marks a milestone in our efforts to address Metro Manila’s long-standing traffic woes. The SEMME will be a game-changer in urban mobility,” said Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. “With SMC’s leadership, we’re committed to long-term infrastructure solutions that benefit commuters across the region.”
SMC chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang emphasized the significant economic and practical benefits of the project. “SEMME will serve as a crucial lifeline for residents in the southern and eastern parts of Metro Manila, drastically reducing travel time from Bicutan to Batasan, from two hours to under 30 minutes,” Ang explained. “We expect up to 150,000 vehicles to use SEMME daily, helping to ease traffic on C-5 and other busy roads.”
The expressway’s strategic exits, including planned connections to Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway, and Tumana Bridge, will also provide vital access for travelers from Parañaque, Taguig, and Rizal. Notably, SMC has also partnered with the Ayala Group to integrate the Arca South estate with the SEMME network, further enhancing the region’s connectivity.
As the project moves forward, SMC is focused on addressing the remaining right-of-way issues, with construction set to begin as soon as these are resolved. The project’s swift development is seen as a crucial step in easing Metro Manila’s traffic crisis and boosting economic activity by improving travel efficiency for both commuters and businesses.
