Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has raised alarms over the repercussions of an estimated 300,000 additional vehicles hitting the roads each year as the urban traffic crisis intensifies,
“This means an additional one million new vehicles vying for limited road space within three years,” Ejercito said.
He stressed the urgent need to develop the country’s mass transit system to combat the escalating problem.
Environmental advocates have pointed out the dire consequences of traffic congestion not only for commuters but also for the environment.
Additional vehicles contribute significantly to air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These pollutants can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases and other health issues.
Furthermore, the increase in greenhouse gases exacerbates climate change, leading to more severe weather patterns and environmental degradation.
Ejercito lamented the country’s lethargic position on transportation infrastructure compared with other Southeast Asian nations. “Indonesia, Malaysia,and Thailand are 30 years ahead of us in transportation infrastructure,” he said.
Ejercito has been a strong advocate for the modernization of the transportation system, particularly through railways. He cited the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project and the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) as pivotal solutions.
The NSCR is a 147-kilometer railway system that will connect Calamba City in the south with New Clark City in the north, passing through several Metro Manila stations using the existing Philippine National Railways (PNR) line.
It will feature an airport express service with high-speed trains transporting passengers to New Clark International Airport.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Program (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), construction of the NSCR has begun in the Metro Manila section following the suspension of PNR train operations from Valenzuela to Alabang.
The MMSP, an underground railway system, meanwhile, will run from Parañaque in the south to Valenzuela in the north, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. These projects are expected to significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing emissions and improving air quality.
Ejercito earlier said that rail-based solutions to urban traffic woes were expected to boost economic growth by providing jobs and facilitating the transportation of farm products. “We expect these rail-based solutions, such as the NSCR, to spread development across the country’s rural areas and pave the way for growth in regions beyond Metro Manila and other major urban centers,” he said.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, Ejercito emphasized the need to protect the budget for rail-based projects, which often face reductions during the legislative process.
“We must keep pushing for this solution if we are to catch up with the rest of the ASEAN region and untangle the daily gridlock in our urban centers,” he added.
In addition to alleviating traffic and economic benefits, mass transit systems have a significant environmental advantage. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, they help lower carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and combating climate change.
Ejercito filed Senate Bill 158, aiming to create and institutionalize a Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Master Plan. “This will help our government craft a long-term infrastructure development master plan by providing legislative guidelines to ensure the continuity of high-quality integrated infrastructure projects,” Ejercito said.
“Investing in mass transit is investing in our future. It’s about time we prioritize long-term solutions over short-term fixes,” Ejercito added, urging both the public and private sectors to support initiatives that promote sustainable urban transportation.
