PASAY CITY—Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito highlighted the vital role of infrastructure in driving long-term economic development as he weighed in on the ₱197-billion allocation for key railway projects under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP). 

The proposed spending plan prioritizes flagship transport projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway.

In a statement, Senator Ejercito emphasized that spending on rail networks extends far beyond simply reducing travel times for commuters. He stressed that rail infrastructure acts as a fundamental investment in job creation, business expansion, and new economic opportunities across the country. 

“Ang railway infrastructure ay higit pa sa pagpapabilis ng biyahe. Ito ay puhunan sa trabaho, investments at bagong economic opportunities.” Senator JV Ejercito said in a social media post.

Improved transport connectivity between cities and provinces enables a smoother flow of workers, goods, and services, effectively spreading progress beyond crowded urban centers.

“Kapag mas mahusay ang koneksyon ng mga lungsod at lalawigan, mas nagiging madali ang paggalaw ng mga manggagawa, produkto at negosyo, at mas lumalawak ang pagkakataon para sa pag-unlad sa labas ng mga pangunahing urban centers.” The lawmaker added.

As the head of the panel overseeing the national budget, Ejercito reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that public funds are directed toward high-impact projects. 

He assured the public that the Senate Finance Committee will thoroughly scrutinize proposed allocations to guarantee that infrastructure investments deliver clear, long-lasting benefits to Filipino workers, local businesses, and communities nationwide.  

The Senate's review of the 2027 national budget comes as lawmakers aim to balance aggressive infrastructure development with nationwide economic inclusivity. 

With major transit projects in the pipeline, Senate deliberations are expected to focus on maximizing the economic returns of these massive public investments while evaluating unfunded regional rail developments.

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