San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is facing delays in its Pasig River Expressway (PAREx) project due to the need to adjust the toll road’s alignment, which currently overlaps with the Pasig River Esplanade, as confirmed by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo, at a Pasay City event, mentioned that the board expects the final design in November, a month past the original deadline. “We have to harmonize PAREx and Esplanade,” he stated.
The Pasig River Esplanade (PRE) is part of a three-year Pasig River Urban Development Project aimed at enhancing the river’s usability. It includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like walkways, commercial zones, bike lanes, and green spaces.
Per a supplemental toll operation agreement, Carullo said, SMC must modify its tollway alignment if a government infrastructure project overlaps with it.
The government inaugurated a segment of the 25-kilometer PRE in June, which includes a one-story structure along the river with a walkway, leasable spaces, and a bike lane.
Environmental Concerns
After submitting the final design, the TRB aims to approve the tollway by the first quarter of 2025 for construction to begin. Carullo emphasized that SMC must first obtain an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) to confirm the project won’t negatively impact the river’s ecosystem.
Applying for the ECC requires SMC to submit its environmental impact and management plans. Previously, the project drew criticism from advocacy groups concerned about potential environmental harm. In 2022, the Advocates of Science and Technology for the People warned that PAREx might block sunlight to parts of the waterway, which could “affect the remaining food chain” of the river.
A Challenging Process
Another advocacy group, Ilog Pasiglahin, highlighted the need to protect the Pasig River due to its connections to Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, and other waterways.
Approved in September 2021, the PAREx project is a 19.37-kilometer elevated expressway along the Pasig River, extending from Radial Road 10 in Manila to the proposed South East Metro Manila Expressway at Circumferential Road 6 in Taguig City.
Following criticism from environmental groups, SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang announced in March that the company would cancel the project.
Reconsidering the Project
In May, Ang suggested SMC might still proceed with the P81.53-billion project after a review and consideration of public opinion. SMC informed the government in June of its commitment to meet all requirements for the project.
Carullo reported that SMC informed the TRB of its intent to seek an ECC for PAREx, noting that “as of now is a live project.” Once SMC submits final engineering designs, it must secure the ECC and other necessary permits, including a no-objection notice from affected local governments.
Only then can SMC seek approval from the TRB to proceed.
