RSA sets the record straight on Pasig River Expressway

The upcoming Pasig River Expressway or PAREX is making headlines because of its ambitious goal in terms of access in and around Metro Manila, as well as its contentious nature. Supporters of the project tout the benefits of being able to improve travel time for citizens in the metropolis, but critics lament the supposed lack of transparency. 

The scale of the Pasig River Expressway project is matched only by the controversy surrounding it

There’s probably no bigger proponent for PAREX than Ramon S. Ang, whose company San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is poised to fully finance the infrastructure from construction to eventual operation. As he is no stranger to news that various sectors have voiced their objection to the proposed thoroughfare, Ang has issued a statement to clarify several points that have been raised. 

The SMC boss has strong words for those opposing PAREX, calling them "manipulative and single-minded" in pursuing a specific agenda despite the toll operator’s pledge to make the project more sustainable than previous private undertakings have been. He refutes the claim that PAREX will destroy the Pasig River, saying that the waterway had long been biologically dead even before SMC undertook cleanup and rehabilitation efforts. 

SMC boss Ramon S. Ang dismissed efforts to shut down PAREX as part of an orchestrated demolition job

Ang also debunked photos circulating online depicting PAREX as covering the entire width of the Pasig River, saying that the expressway’s posts will only take up a total space of one meter along the riverbanks. He adds that SMC has committed to work with local government units in making adjustments as necessary. “All valid concerns will also be addressed during the Detailed Engineering Design development phase for the project,” assured Ang. 

On accusations that PAREX will worsen pollution by encouraging people to buy more cars, Ang asserts that the volume of cars on the road will continue to rise whether the project is realized or not. He blames the problem on “poor or insufficient public transportation, pollution, and even personal progress of people,” which PAREX aims to address by providing a bus rapid transit (BRT) route, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian areas. This, Ang says, proves that PAREX is not exclusive to private cars.  

Contrary to critics' claims, Ang says that urban planner Jun Palafox has yet to commit to the project

He also countered claims that Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox is already involved with the project, clarifying that discussions are still ongoing between SMC and the renowned architect. “Palafox signified his intention to think about the project and see how he can marry both his and RSA’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, green, hybrid infrastructure that will benefit both people and the environment,” the statement said. Ang further laments that forces opposing PAREX have been pressuring Palafox, his associates, and even his family to drop the project in “an orchestrated and continuing demolition job.”  

The tycoon has promised to publicly explain the other issues raised. “It will be a great disservice to millions of Filipinos who will benefit from the multiple benefits of this project, if a vocal, passionate, but perhaps misinformed sectors of society, will be swayed to inaction or the status quo,” Ang said. 

See controversial mobility issues from all sides at Philkotse.com.