QC lifts cease and desist order on MRT-7 above-ground construction

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday lifted the temporary cease and desist order issued against the above-ground construction of the MRT-7 at the Quezon Memorial Circle.

Belmonte announced the lifting after concerned officials approved the new structure design presented by the EEI and San Miguel Corporations.

From almost 11,000 square meters, the above-ground structure was reduced to 426 square meters while the height of the project was reduced to six meters from 12 meters.

“Ni-lift na po ng city government ang cease and desist order ngayon dahil natuwa naman po kami na binigyang-halaga ang aming concerns," said Belmonte in a statement.

"Today, we are very happy that we have succeeded not only in preserving our park, but at the same time, we have succeeded in ensuring that our people will have adequate mass transportation," she added.

Belmonte had issued the order after authorities found that the original design's floor area was more than five times the size specified in the projects' permit and clearance and would affect the national heritage park. 

According to Belmonte, because the MRT-7 project structure was now smaller, it would no longer obstruct the view to President Manuel Quezon's 66-meter tall mausoleum.

The mayor also extended her thanks to all parties involved, saying the compromise was a "win-win situation."

“We thank EEI and SMC for taking into consideration the concerns of the people of Quezon City... by taking steps to adjust the design and reduce the height of the station thereby preserving the park’s integrity," Belmonte said.

“I would also like to express gratitude to the stakeholders for their active participation in preserving the park,” she added.

Meanwhile, Transportation Undersecretary John Batan was confident that the MRT-7 project was on track.

"Currently, almost 55 percent complete na tayo. Lahat ng mga tren, lahat ng mga bagon, tapos na. Na-test at ready na i-ship from [South] Korea. Makikita natin na yung mga viaducts ay halos patapos na rin at ang stations ay tinatapos na," Batan said.

According to Batan, the project would be partially operable by 2021.

The MRT-7 was expected to cut the two-hour travel time from Manila to Bulacan to just 35 minutes. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News