Marcos Orders Faster Marawi Rehabilitation and Reviews Metro Manila Transport Projects
President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr has instructed government agencies to accelerate the long-delayed rehabilitation of Marawi City and address bottlenecks affecting major transport projects in Metro Manila. The directives followed updates presented at the 8th Economy and Development Council meeting, which reviewed progress, funding requirements and implementation risks across priority infrastructure programmes. The measures aim to restore mobility, improve public services and ensure that long-promised benefits reach affected communities without further delay.
According to a report by the Philippine Information Agency, the council examined the status of the Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi Stage 2, alongside the Unified Grand Central Common Station project in Metro Manila.
Greater Marawi rehabilitation faces cost and timeline pressures
The Reconstruction and Development Plan for a Greater Marawi Stage 2 focuses on restoring transport infrastructure, energy and water systems, while rebuilding liveable communities under the Bangon Marawi Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Program. The programme includes the rehabilitation and construction of 26.59 kilometres of roads, bridges, drainage systems and slope protection works.
Of the seven sub-projects, two road components have been completed, while five remain ongoing, covering three roads, one viaduct and six bridges. As of January 2026, overall progress stands at 19.61 percent.
The total project cost is proposed to increase by 26.55 percent, from PhP7.52 billion to PhP9.51 billion, reflecting updated requirements for civil works, consultancy services and right-of-way acquisition. The implementation period, originally set from September 2018 to 30 June 2027, may be extended to 31 March 2028.
President Marcos ordered a detailed assessment of whether the project can be completed by 2028, the viability of proposed funding sources and the introduction of measures to prevent further procurement delays. Stronger oversight and transparent reporting have been highlighted as essential, aligning with broader efforts to improve accountability through initiatives such as digital portals that strengthen government transparency.
Completed and ongoing facilities under Bangon Marawi
Several key facilities under the Bangon Marawi programme have already been completed. These include permanent shelters, power supply systems, the Marawi City General Hospital, the Port of Marawi City, Marawi Dansalan Integrated School, the Marawi Central Fire Station and the Grand Padian Market with an ice plant.
Ongoing initiatives include the bulk water supply project led by the Local Water Utilities Administration, which is scheduled for completion by May 2026, as well as ancillary facilities at the Marawi Dansalan Integrated School. The administration has stressed that timely delivery of these projects is critical to restoring normal economic and social activity in the city.
Metro Manila transport hub affected by contractor termination
The council also reviewed the status of the Unified Grand Central Common Station project, which is intended to improve rail and road-based connectivity across Metro Manila by linking LRT Line 1 with MRT Lines 3 and 7. The project has faced repeated delays due to contractor performance issues.
The design-and-build contract with BF Corporation and Foresight Development and Surveying Company was terminated on 14 May 2025. At the time of termination, the project was 67.03 percent complete, with PhP1.37 billion disbursed out of the total PhP2.8 billion project cost.
The Department of Transportation is now planning for interim operations to connect LRT Line 1 and MRT Lines 3 and 7 by the first semester of 2027. The President directed agencies to communicate clearly on the reasons for the contract termination, ensure timely approvals for priority projects and avoid post-facto decisions that could undermine public interest.
Compensation claims and wider infrastructure governance
In addition to physical infrastructure, the council reviewed the processing of claims by the Marawi Compensation Board. From 2023 to February 2026, 2,288 claims benefiting 2,280 claimants were processed, amounting to PhP3.85 billion in compensation.
Officials noted that effective coordination, data management and monitoring systems are increasingly important in managing complex, multi-year programmes. These priorities reflect wider national discussions on digital innovation in infrastructure delivery and the need to align institutional capacity with long-term development goals.
The President reiterated that accelerating Marawi’s rehabilitation and resolving delays in major transport projects are central to restoring mobility, strengthening economic activity and ensuring that communities see tangible improvements from public investment.
