Senators push ‘doable’ traffic decongestion schemes

MANILA, Philippines — Senators are urging government officials to focus their attention on speeding up implementation of projects that would ease the worsening traffic congestion instead of debating with the public on whether or not there is a transportation crisis.

“Transport crisis or not, the fact that thousands of commuters are having an extremely difficult time getting to their destinations should already prompt immediate action from the entire government,” Sen. Sonny Angara said over the weekend.

“While some people are preoccupied with arguing on semantics, the students and employees are dealing with their daily struggle with how to get to work and school,” he added.

He pushed for the revival of the Pasig River ferry project which, based on the latest feasibility study, can be fully operational in a year, as the public awaits big-ticket infrastructure projects such as the Skyway extension, MRT and LRT line expansions, and rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways to finish.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, a former mayor and ex-chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, also pushed for the Pasig River ferry project as well as the installation of more terminals to serve more people.

Sen. Bong Go said one way to decongest Metro Manila is to create new cities or expand existing ones outside the capital.

He cited New Clark City and urban areas in Batangas and Davao where industries can invest, Filipinos can thrive, and more importantly, where space for expansions is available. Go said the government does not rest on these options but continues to pursue transportation projects in the “Build, Build, Build” program.

He also cited the new international airport to be built in Bulacan that will also lessen congestion.