Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday urged the administration to address the transport crisis by building a Central Terminal outside Metro Manila.
The lawmaker said the Central Terminal should have adequate facilities and ample parking space for buses, taxis, jeepneys and private vehicles.
“This would help ease traffic congestion that unduly inconvenienced the public during the Christmas holidays,” Romualdez said.
The lawmaker vowed to file a resolution asking the Congressional Oversight Committee to investigate the government agencies that have done nothing to solve the growing transport crisis.
Romualdez also said the government should also address airport congestion and flight delays that had also inconvenienced many people who wanted to go home to the provinces to be with their families during the holidays.
“The government is correct in putting up a rail system from Manila to Clark International Airport in Pampanga to maximize its use and reduce congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed the hope that the Manila to Clark rail project would push through as soon as possible and allotted enough funds.
Romualdez said government should show compassion or malasakit for commuters who suffer daily from heavy traffic, lack of adequate public transport as well as flight delays.
At the same time, the lawmaker also assailed the Department of Transportation and Communications for entering into a P3.81-billion maintenance contract for MRT3 with a Filipino-Korean- joint venture without going through a public bidding.
“The DoTC should justify the award of the contract as they failed to observe the bidding process particularly since it involves a big amount for the maintenance of the system,” Romualdez said.
“The government should spend taxpayers’ money wisely. We should not condone wasteful spending for MRT3 without really improving it since commuters still have to cope with higher fares, longer queues, and frequent breakdowns,” Romualdez said.
“This government lacks compassion for the people. In the coming elections, we should elect compassionate leaders,” he emphasized.
Romualdez is running for senator as a guest candidate of the United NationalIst Alliance. He has been endorsed by presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte and the coalition of party-list groups in Congress. He is a lawyer and president of the Philippine Constitution Association.