In Metro Manila, the increase of vehicles on the road is attributed to the rapid growth of its commuters. This is also the center of Philippine’s socio-economic and political activity. EDSA is important to the 10 million people who live in Metro Manila that also contains 12% of the total population.
Added to this are the transients and migrants who wish to seek their future in the city. The 24-kilometer stretch from MacArthur Highway in Caloocan City from the north; until Roxas Blvd., in Pasay City, the south poses a problem that all of us face each day. Traffic!
Many fall victims to the way they have addressed the traffic at Edsa. Former DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas was heavily criticized for addressing traffic as a “Sign of Progress.”
Even former DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya was crucified for his “Hindi naman nakamamatay ang Traffic,” statement.
Now, DOTC Secretary Art Tugade is being lambasted for his statement that traffic is merely a“State of Mind”, that this is a mere excuse used by people who are late at work.
It is either they’re in denial or wrong media interpretation, either way they cannot be saved from the wrath of an angry public. Whatever reason they may give, nothing is acceptable if there aren’t any changes to the traffic at Edsa.
There’s a saying that if curses could kill, they would’ve all died a long time ago.
The Kasangga Interview
Today’s guest (10-11am) on “Kasangga Mo Ang Langit”, TeleRadyo program of DZRJ 810khz, 8 TriMedia Network, is Senator Senator Grace Poe, Chairman of the Senate committee on Public Services.
The task of granting the president emergency powers seems daunting. It seems like it is one of the answers to the problem that people are facing now in Metro Manila. The committee on Public services acknowledges that granting the president emergency powers will help the Executive branch address the issue faster. However these much-needed transport solutions must be subject to scrutiny and follow Freedom of Information (FOI) regulations to prevent abuse.
There has to be a deadline to this ’emergency power’. The senate cannot give the Executive a ‘blank check’ wherein we will reap the problems that it will face in the unforeseeable future.
We would want to expedite the process now that the DOT has submitted the much needed requirements ( a bill of particulars, including a list of proposed projects, to solve the traffic crisis).
FOI Compliant
This will be one of the important provisions of the said emergency powers. It has to be FOI-compliant, physically responsible, and a set timeframe.
A working timeline is important because we do not want to leave these projects hanging or done in a haphazard manner. There must be no hidden costs, or undeclared conditional debts that will be passed on to several generations. The senate will not grants vague powers or blank checks. Yes, there will be elbow room and wide latitude given but not wide enough for thieves to sneak in.
Subways In Other Countries
It is a known fact that our streets can no longer be widened to accommodate the growing number of vehicles daily. One of the possible solutions is creating a subway. It is the most expensive and a lot of people argue that since we live in a tropics country, floods will be an issue. The best way to deal with this is to get good engineers to help build a system based on the kind of situation that we have. Consider this as an investment in our future.
All we need is a vision and strong political will to make things happen.
Cooperation Of Congress
The solutions need to be specific. Are we added more roads? more trains? are we moving the fx cabs? are we expanding the runways? Is this just for Metro Manila or are we including other places like Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Davao and other cities?
Yesterday I came from Pasay. I work in the senate and go home to Quezon City. I travel 3 hours daily but that is nothing compared to people who commute. I am fortunate to travel using a private vehicle. To those commuting, their travel time is much longer given the same distance. That’s why working is a burden and the problems people face as they commute, add to that problem.
The problem we have right now is that the Congress hasn’t started their hearings on granting the president emergency powers. My committee cannot do this alone. We need the Congress’ cooperation to address this issue.
Time Table
If all requirements has been given and submitted, we hope that both houses will be able to sign it before the break in December.
The delays that we face add to the delay in project implementation. We want to do our part as lawmakers to be a part of the solution.
