Duterte on traffic woes: Emergency powers or slow results?

MANILA, Philippines -- The solution to worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila will come slowly if Congress will not grant emergency powers, President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte said alternative transport systems will soon be rolled out, but executive agencies have to be given greater discretion to address road congestion.

"Many in government opine... that I would have to agree that the worsening traffic situation can be logically addressed if Congress would also accord emergency powers to the agencies concerned," Duterte said.

"Ayaw mo? Okay lang rin. Makita na diyan, kapag gusto n'yong madalian, alam mo naman talagang sagad na lahat na, nasa inyo yan," he added.

He said he will accept complaints about traffic if the extra powers will not be granted, but the answer is in lawmakers' hands.

"Tanggapin ko 'yung pagmumura ninyo, 'wag lang 'yung sa malapit, e ganun talaga e. It's an urgent and immediate situation, solution," Duterte said.

The president also recognized concerns that the additional powers will lead to abuse, but he vowed that his government will be free of corruption.

"Kung ayaw naman ninyo, kasi baka sabihin n'yo graft and corruption naman 'yan, e 'di okay. I assure you... wala ito sa script... this will be a clean government," he said.

Sen. Franklin Drilon filed a bill earlier this month seeking to grant Duterte emergency powers under a proposed Transportation Crisis Act of 2016.

Under the pending law, Duterte could adopt alternative means to implement road projects to decongest the metro.

Calling the traffic problem a "crisis," Duterte said congestion "impedes the mobility of people, goods and services" and "threatens the livability of our cities."

Alternative transport

The Department of Transportation is preparing to revive the operation of the Pasig River Ferry service system, which Duterte called a "viable option" for the severe trafic jams around the metro.

"[The ferry service] serves as an alternative mode for passengers, particularly those coming from the east side of the metro to reach specific destinations in Manila, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Pasig and Quezon City," Duterte said.

He said the campaign against "colorum" vehicles, or those who operate as public transportation without being granted franchises, will be intensified.

Usage of existing roads will also be maximized due to the lack of infrastructure.

"[By] God, it will be done immediately, immediately," Duterte said about the proposed projects to address the road mess. — Camille Diola; Video editing by RP Ocampo