The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured that the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project would still continue.

Interviewed in DZRH Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, DOTr Usec. Cesar Chavez said that despite the challenges in the department's funds, it would still continue the initiatives of the government.

"Hindi magbabago ang intensyon, ang plano ng DOTr at ng pamahalaan, when I say pamahalaan, national government na ituloy ang Mindanao Railway Project," Chavez said.

According to Chavez, the railway project in Phase 1 is 103 kilometers traveling to Tagum-Davao-Digos, which has eight stations.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista earlier said that the country backed out of its loan negotiations with China.

Chavez explained that China failed to submit a short list of Chinese contractors in the country that is required for the said partnership in the Mindanao Railway Project, which only means it has lost interest in helping the Philippines.

However, Chavez said the project will still continue with a system of private sector and national government partnerships.

On the other hand, Bautista said Philippine's decision to cut the negotiations with China is not related to the issue in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).