A portion of the Metrowalk commercial complex along Meralco Avenue in Ortigas, Pasig City, began demolition on Wednesday to give way to the construction of the Ortigas Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
RH Edniel Parrosa reported that personnel from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) led the demolition, assisted by members of the Pasig City Police, headed by Chief Col. Hendrix Mangaldan, and uniformed personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Despite the presence of authorities, officials said the operation proceeded peacefully and without tension.
According to DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way Issues IC Calaguas, the demolition has long been part of the government’s plan for the subway’s Ortigas Station.
Calaguas explained that the process is being carried out in compliance with proper procedures, emphasizing that the DOTr had secured the necessary permits before starting the operation.
He added that former Ilocos Sur governor and Narvacan mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who owns the Metrowalk property, granted his approval for the project back in 2022, allowing the government to proceed with the right-of-way acquisition for the subway line.
Singson himself arrived at the site during today's demolition to personally oversee the activity.
Calaguas said that the only concern was the presence of the security guards of Metrowalk in the area.
Only a portion of the Metrowalk property, specifically the corner facing Meralco Avenue and adjacent to the Meralco Building, is being demolished. The remaining sections of the commercial complex remain open to the public.
The Metro Manila Subway Project is the country’s first underground railway system, a 33-kilometer line connecting Valenzuela City to NAIA Terminal 3 and Bicutan in Parañaque.
According to DOTr, the subway project has the biggest scope of right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions of any government infrastructure project.
Authorities said that the project is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the capital once completed. The Ortigas Station will be one of its major stops, linking key business districts and transportation hubs across Metro Manila.
MMSP's full operation is targeted for 2029.
