The Philippines government has withdrawn a funding application for railway expansion that was planned as part of Chinese development cooperation. Minister of Transport Jamie Bautista reported that negotiations had been unsuccessful for financing the first line on the southern island of Mindanao, the standard-gauge reconstruction of the southern line on Luzon to Bicol and the new Clark – Subic line. The government in Manila is now looking for alternative financing options. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signalled its willingness to talk but has stated that it is not yet ready. The projects on Luzon have already been awarded to Chinese consortia, subject to financing agreements, while no agreements have yet been reached for Mindanao. A network of around 2,000 km is planned on Mindanao, with the route of the first Tagum – Davao – Digos line already determined.
