San Miguel drops plan to build Pasig River Expressway

Conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is no longer pushing through with its plan to construct the P95-billion Pasig River Expressway (PAREX).

San Miguel is no longer pursuing its earlier plan to build the Pasig River Expressway Project, says Ramon Ang.

“Narinig niyo na ba na tinuloy ko? Hindi na… We are very sensitive to the opinion of the public,” Ang said.

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) March 18, 2024

SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang said the company is listening to public opinion and sentiments concerning its infrastructure projects.

“Alam mo, ako ‘yung businessman na kapag nakita ko na ayaw ng kababayan natin, ‘yung project, hindi ko itutuloy,’ Ang said.

(You know, I'm the kind of businessman that when I see that our countrymen do not like the project, I won't continue with it.)

“Kamuha niyan, nag-propose ako Pasig River Expressway… pero sinasabi ng maraming tao na ayaw nila ‘yan… dahil ‘di magandang tingnan or whatever. Narinig mo ba kung tinuloy ko? Hindi na kasi very sensitive ‘din kami, nakikinig kami sa pulso ng bayan,” the San Miguel chief said.

(For example, I proposed the Pasig River Expressway… but many people oppose it… because it would be an eyesore or whatever. Did you hear that I continued it? No longer since we too are very sensitive, we listen to public opinion.)

Since it broke ground in September 2021, the PAREX project received several criticisms from multi-sectoral groups, citing its impact on traffic and the environment as well as being an eyesore to heritage structures along the banks of the Pasig River.

Ang had earlier tried to address the criticisms, saying that the proposed toll road will not cover the Pasig River as it will be built along the river’s easement.

The project, which would have been fully-financed by SMC, was seen to be a six-lane elevated expressway that will run along the banks of the river, from Radial Road 10 in Manila to C-6 Road or the South East Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) in Taguig City.

“We are very sensitive to the opinion of the public. If the public thinks that it is not good for the public welfare, hindi namin gagawin ‘yun (we will not do it),” Ang said.—RF, GMA Integrated News