Duterte warns public: Brace for more traffic jams

MANILA, Philippines - Get ready for more traffic gridlocks.

President Duterte yesterday warned the public to brace for more congestion in the country’s major roads as the government’s infrastructure development program goes into full swing in the next few months.

The Duterte administration plans to implement major infrastructure projects by yearend in a bid to address the country’s infrastructure deficit and to prop up the economy.

“We will really be focused on infrastructure, including agribusiness…There are a lot of projects on deck, so I would say that it would keep our country busy in the coming months,” Duterte said.

“By the way, I have to remind you that there will be a lot of projects on the streets. There will also be commotion and sometimes derailment of the traffic situation.

“It’s just a warning and (to the) people who continue to complain…there’s always a drawback. But I’m sure that with the implementation, in the coming year, and I would (say) that maybe, next year early, we would see the developments,” he added.

Early this month, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary General Ernesto Pernia said the NEDA Board, chaired by the President, approved last September nine infrastructure projects, which are being carried out by different agencies.

Projects include the P200-billion South Line Railway Project from Manila to Bicol, road widening from Tutuban to Valenzuela and road improvement project connecting Valenzuela City with Quezon City.