San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Philippine government have moved closer to realizing the long-awaited Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME), also known as Skyway 4, with the signing of a crucial right-of-way usage agreement.

SMC Infrastructure formalized the deal on Monday, February 3, with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Veterans Association of the Philippines, landowners of portions of the proposed route.

“The agreement signals another game-changing infrastructure initiative. This toll road, with a combination of at-grade and elevated expressways, will create a much-needed alternate route, bypassing traffic-heavy roads and easing congestion along EDSA and other key corridors,” said Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista. He also underscored the government's commitment to long-term solutions for urban mobility through partnerships with companies like SMC.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of SEMME in improving the traffic situation in our cities. It will benefit residents in the southern and eastern parts of Metro Manila by providing an alternative route to Quezon City,” said Ramon S. Ang, SMC Chairman and CEO.

“Once fully operational, we project about 150,000 vehicles to use it daily. Travel time from Bicutan, Taguig, to the Batasan area in Quezon City will be significantly reduced from about two hours to just under 30 minutes. Just as Skyway Stage 3 helped decongest EDSA, SEMME can help decongest C-5,” he added.

Ang reaffirmed SMC's readiness to commence construction on the project's first segment pending the resolution of all right-of-way issues. He also acknowledged the collaboration with the Ayala Group, which will see the integration of its Arca South estate with the Skyway System via a dedicated SEMME exit.

The 32.66-km SEMME will connect the Skyway System at Arca South (formerly the FTI Complex in Taguig City) to the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. It is also designed to provide an alternative route for motorists traveling from Parañaque and Taguig to eastern Metro Manila and Rizal province, with planned exits at Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway, and Tumana Bridge in Quezon City.