Manila, Oct. 23 -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is looking to award the PHP103.6-billion Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) concession by mid-2027, with about 100 local and international firms already expressing interest in the privatization project.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Friday that the move follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the modernization of MRT-3, given its vital role in transporting commuters across Metro Manila.

Lopez said the project will be undertaken through a public-private partnership (PPP), with the DOTr retaining its authority over fares.

"Through public-private partnership, we bring in the expertise and investment this line needs. Ang kailangan na...