Fine Properties Inc. and Villar Land Holdings, Inc. strongly denied allegations that they are responsible for delays in the construction of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, asserting that they have actively cooperated with government authorities to help expedite the project.
In a joint statement, the two companies clarified that they were not obstructing the development of the LRT-1 Las Piñas Station and emphasized that they had voluntarily offered to donate the properties required for the project. According to the companies, the initiative was intended to prevent the lengthy and costly process of land expropriation, thereby helping move the infrastructure project forward.
"Fine Properties Inc. and Villar Land Holdings, Inc. strongly deny claims that they are causing delays in the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, as these do not reflect the actual situation," the companies said.
They further explained that the proposal to donate the affected properties originated from them, underscoring their commitment to facilitating the project's implementation.
"In fact, the proposal to donate the properties involved came from the Companies to help move the project forward and avoid the cost and delay of expropriation," the statement read.
The companies also disclosed that their representatives have maintained continuous coordination with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) throughout the process. They said the next steps now depend on the agency's completion of due diligence and the submission of the necessary documents for evaluation.
"The Companies' representatives and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) have also been in constant coordination, and at this point, they are simply waiting for LRTA's due diligence and the necessary documents for review," they added.
Fine Properties and Villar Land likewise reiterated the Villar family's support for infrastructure projects aimed at improving public transportation and mobility. They stressed that enhancing connectivity remains part of their broader commitment to improving the quality of life for Filipino families.
"The Villar family remains committed to improving the lives of Filipino families through better connectivity and accessible transportation. We fully support the completion of the LRT-1 extension to Las Piñas and the establishment of a station that will truly serve the commuting public," the statement concluded.
The clarification comes amid public discussions surrounding the progress of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, one of the country's major transport infrastructure initiatives designed to expand rail connectivity between Metro Manila and Cavite, improve commuter mobility, and ease traffic congestion in the southern corridor.
