The Marcos administration is seeking P197.3 billion for rail projects in 2027, with nearly all of the proposed spending concentrated on two major lines aimed at easing congestion and improving access to jobs and economic centers.
The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) would receive P123.84 billion, while P67.44 billion is earmarked for Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway, according to the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program.
Together, the two projects account for P191.28 billion, or nearly 97 percent of the proposed rail infrastructure budget, underscoring the government’s push to build high-capacity links across Metro Manila and surrounding growth areas.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the higher allocation would accelerate railway development and provide commuters with faster, more convenient transport.
“Ang hakbang na ito ay para pabilisin ang pag-usad ng North-South Commuter Railway System na inaasahang magpapagaan sa byahe ng mga commuter at magpapasigla sa ekonomiya ng bansa,” Castro said.
The NSCR will link parts of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna, connecting densely populated communities with major employment and commercial centers.
The proposed budget also includes P1.17 billion for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, P1.94 billion for MRT-3 rehabilitation, and P603 million for the LRT-1 South Extension.
The government is counting on the rail buildup to reduce the economic drag from long commutes and traffic, while giving businesses access to a larger pool of workers.
But the economic payoff will depend on how quickly projects are completed and how reliably they operate. Large allocations alone will not ease congestion if construction delays, integration problems, and service disruptions keep new capacity from translating into faster daily travel.
For now, the proposed 2027 spending marks a further shift toward rail as a key piece of the country’s strategy to improve urban mobility and connect workers to expanding economic corridors.
