WHILE the Senate is waiting for the list of proposed projects under the emergency powers to be granted to President Rodrigo Duterte to solve the traffic crisis, public services committee chairperson Senator Grace Poe on Monday put on hold hearings until after detailed submissions from the Department of Transportation.
“The Executive branch is in a hurry to pass the emergency powers bill, but based on our hearings, we have learned that the DOTr and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have yet to come up with concrete projects under the emergency powers bill,” noted Poe.
Sans submission of a draft bill from the DOTr that will also spell out proposed projects and particular issues to be addressed, Poe emphasized her committee will still conduct consultative technical working group meetings.
The meetings will hasten the crafting of solutions that will address the traffic and transport problems in the country, she said.
During the August 25 public hearing led by Poe on the proposed emergency powers, Transportation officials asked the Senate panel to give them two weeks to prepare a bill of particulars, including a list of proposed projects, to solve the traffic crisis.
The Senate has heard the proposals of urban planners and the transport and commuter groups, and expects the DOTr to incorporate suggestions from stakeholders.
“How can we make an effective and comprehensive plan if we cannot consult the affected sector?” asked Poe.
“I hope we will not waste money and time to implement plans that would not be fully beneficial to the public,” Poe added.
Under the proposed emergency powers bill, Poe said the legislators will just give them an extension of two to three years.
“I hope that extension will not be wasted for just planning. Right now, they should be able to present what they will do to resolve traffic in case emergency powers bill,” the senator added.