By Renzo Acosta, February 3, 2020; Philippine Daily Inquirer

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1223416/opening-of-skyway-stage-3-delayed-due-to-recent-fire

Manila, Philippines – The opening of the Skyway Stage 3 will be delayed until July due to damage caused by the recent Pandacan fire, said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) in a statement on Monday.

“Rest assured, we will work 24/7 to endeavor to complete the entire project in five months,” SMC President Ramon Ang said. “This is just a 3-month delay from the original opening target.”

According to SMC, their initial investigation showed that the fire was a “freak accident” that emanated from a construction yard that eventually spread to a nearby plastic warehouse.

SMC said the warehouse was on the process of being relocated as part of their efforts to clear properties in the area in consideration of Skyway and future projects.

“This incident is a reminder to all of us that right of way for all our infrastructure projects should be clear of fire hazards,” said Ang. “We call on the Department of Public Works and Highways to continue to strictly
enforce this to avoid similar incidents from happening.”

On Saturday, a fire in Pandacan, Manila damaged over 300 meters of the Skyway Stage 3 and caused a portion of it to collapse.

The Skyway Stage 3, which stretches from Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati and traverses through San Juan, Manila, and Quezon City all the way to the North Luzon Expressway, was originally set to open on April 1.