Sen. Koko Pimentel III said that it may be an urgent and critical time to revisit the proposal to grant ‘Emergency Powers’ to President Rodrigo Duterte in order to utilize government resources and employ executive measures to address the country’s increasing traffic congestion problems.
“It might be the proper time for Congress to take immediate and priority action to re-assess proposals granting emergency powers to the President para maayos ang napakasamang traffic dito sa Manila. Kailangang matulungan nating maibsan ang araw-araw na kalbaryo ng ating mga commuters,” Pimentel said.
The veteran legislator also expressed concern over the losses incurred in man-hours, productivity, and opportunities everyday due to traffic making our economy uncompetitive with our neighboring countries.
“Last year, the estimated economic loss was at P3.5 billion daily.”
“Last year, ang estimated economic loss natin was at P3.5 billion araw-araw dahil sa Metro Manila and Cebu traffic. Dapat nating ma-solusyonan yan! We are losing money and our patience every day and the opportunity to spend more time sa ating mga kapamilya,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The senator further suggested that with such emergency powers, the President may be able to immediately enter into projects that can help solve traffic issues, such as government using its resources in building and constructing an elevated road, walkways and bike lanes along Edsa, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard and Ayala Avenue and traffic bridges and roads in Cebu.
“Pwedeng magtayo ang gobyerno ng parallel walkways, pwede pang mechanized, tulad ng walkalators! Pwede ring magkaroon ng overhead skyway sa Edsa at Ortigas at doon rin sa cebu, at dapat din magkaroon ng bike lanes sa mga lugar na ito,” he said.
“Government infrastructure projects should be bid out for the private sector.”
Lastly, Pimentel believes the said government infrastructure projects should be done through bidding to allow the private sector to operate and maintain these after construction just like the Clark Airport terminal.
“Mas maganda rin siguro kung ang mga proyektong ito ay pangangasiwaan ng pribadong sektor para masiguradong maayos ang paggamit at pagpapanatili ng mga ito,” he said.
“I am hoping the business sectors and the various business groups and associations will heed and support this call,” Pimentel stressed. “Hindi na tayo makaantay sa lumang proseso. Ayusin na natin ngayon!”