As the gentle patter of rain echoed through the cozy confines of the Arms Hotel & Café in J. Nakpil Street, Manila, former mayor Isko Moreno sat down with us to share his insights on the long-standing traffic woes plaguing the metropolis.
Joined by Chi Atienza, the youngest daughter of former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, Yorme, as he is affectionately known, addressed the issue with his trademark candor and occasional warm smile.
“The traffic problem cannot be resolved overnight, but it can be managed over time,” Moreno stated emphatically. He went on to recount the steps he took during his tenure as Manila’s mayor to address the crippling congestion caused by the heavy trucks moving in and out of the North Harbor.
“We managed to create solutions for those problem trucks. The trucking firms simply followed the plans we laid out, and it was a win-win situation for everyone,” he explained.
Moreno also expressed his support for the plans of San Miguel Corporation’s chairman, Ramon Ang, to utilize the sides of the Pasig River for potential road easements. “It makes sense, as it can create solutions to the lack of roads, especially with the ever-increasing number of vehicles,” Moreno said.
Beyond Ang’s proposal, Moreno shared his own vision – the creation of another road easement along the inner portion of the Pasig River, running from Marikina to Escolta. “This can be done with the participation of the private sector and the political will of the local government,” he said with conviction.
The former mayor also noted the untapped potential of the Pasig River ferries, suggesting that the various stops along the route could be made more efficient and closer together to enhance their effectiveness as a mode of transportation.
As the conversation drew to a close, one couldn’t help but wonder about the purpose of Moreno and Chi Atienza’s presence at the Arms Hotel & Café, surrounded by our colleagues from Samahang Plaridel, a group with close ties to former Manila mayors Fred Lim and Lito Atienza.
“You’ll have to wait for the big news that may hit the papers, radio, TV, and online within this week,” Moreno teased, leaving us with a sense of anticipation and the promise of more to come.
In a city grappling with the daily frustrations of gridlock, Isko Moreno’s candid insights and unwavering commitment to finding solutions offer a glimmer of hope for those seeking a way forward. As we await the unfolding of the promised news, one thing is clear: Yorme’s political will and vision for a more livable Metro Manila remain as strong as ever.
