2027 will define the Marcos administration’s transportation legacy, says DOTr chief

Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez declared that 2027 will be the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) banner year, when years of planning, construction, and right-of-way battles will finally translate into transportation projects that Filipinos can see, board, and benefit from directly.

President Marcos’ Transport chief made the statement in his closing remarks at an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on August 29, as part of the DZRH SONA 2026 Series featuring the DOTr.

Lopez said the President gave him three marching orders upon appointment: make transportation safe and comfortable, improve the commuter experience, and accelerate all DOTr projects.

“Sa mga susunod na buwan at at least for 2027, masasabi po natin na banner year po ‘yan ng Kagawaran ng Transportasyon,” Lopez said.

The Transport chief said MRT-7 will begin partial revenue operations in the second quarter of 2027, carrying a conservative 300,000 daily passengers and removing an estimated 60,000 vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue.

Three additional EDSA Busway stations will also open in 2027, expanding the reach of the bus rapid transit system that currently serves hundreds of thousands of commuters daily along the country’s most congested highway.

Multiple airport projects will also be completed in 2027, including Busuanga Airport’s 2,100-meter runway extension enabling Airbus operations, the Bukidnon Airport terminal and turboprop runway, and the continued expansion of other regional airports under the DOTr’s nationwide modernization program.

Lopez said the DOTr’s success depends not just on government effort but on the prayers, support, and trust of the Filipino people: “Ang tagumpay po ng gobyerno ay tagumpay po ng bawat Pilipino.”