Manila, May 31 -- The Metro Rail Transit 7 (MRT-7) project will operate with 14 stations, including the San Jose del Monte (SJDM) station in Bulacan, the Department of Transportation said Sunday.

In a statement, the DOTr said it made the clarification amid reports that only 13 stations will push through.

"The San Jose del Monte (SJDM) Station remains part of the MRT-7 project and has not been removed from the approved alignment," the DOTr said.

It added that it is on track to commence operations of the initial 12 stations (Sacred Heart to North Avenue) by the second quarter of 2027.

"Meanwhile, the Tala and SJDM stations are expected to be completed and opened to the riding public in 2028," the DOTr said.

The railway line's 14 sta...