DBM releases P495M for right-of-way payment for NLEX Connector project

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Tuesday it released nearly half a billion pesos to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cover right-of-way (ROW) payments for properties affected by the NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) project.

In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P495,129,744 to the DPWH on February 22, 2023.

The DBM said the SARO is charged against the Program/Activity/Project under the Fiscal Year 2023 DPWH budget.

The entire NLEX Connector stretches eight kilometers from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

It is an elevated four-lane toll road that aims to decongest traffic in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas, as well as its surrounding areas.

“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. The budget for the right-of-way payments for the [NLEX Connector] will definitely boost our Build, Better, More program,” said Pangandaman.

“We know that among the most crucial parts of a project is the implementation of right-of-way. That’s why securing the payment for all affected properties is very important...,” said the Budget chief.

The NLEX Connector project is being undertaken by NLEX Corp., the operator of the North Luzon Expressway.

It is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).—AOL, GMA Integrated News