Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo and Renato Reyes of Bayan. INQUIRER file photos
MANILA, Philippines – Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary General Renato Reyes insisted that Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo’s almost four-hour commute to Malacañang on Friday is a proof that a mass transport crisis exists in Metro Manila.
Reyes, whom Panelo refuted on claims that there is a transport crisis, noted that the cabinet official is already late for work after arriving at the palace complex by 8:30 a.m.
Panelo left Marikina City at 5:15 a.m. — or a travel time of 3 hours and 45 minutes.
“Congratulations Sec. Panelo for arriving in one piece in Malacañang after nearly 4 hours of commute! Medyo late na kayo kung government time yan,” Reyes said in a message to reporters.
“Just the same, we hope this experience underscored the fact that there IS a mass transport crisis and that long term solutions are needed. I don’t think you’d be doing the same commute for the rest of the month, so let’s just call a spade a spade,” he added.
Panelo previously took on the challenge from Anakbayan youth leader Alex Danday, after the spokesperson said that there is no mass transport crisis as commuters are still able to reach their destinations. He said that while there are problems, it cannot be considered a crisis yet.
READ: Palace: No mass transport crisis yet in Metro Manila
READ: Youth group dares Duterte, admin execs: Try commuting daily
Reyes also underscored Panelo’s decision to make four jeepney trips and one motorcycle ride to Malacañang as indicative of a huge existing problem
“We have a serious mass transport crisis which we can no longer downplay or ignore. Kailangan po ng matagalang solusyon. Naka 4 na palit kayo ng jeep papunta ng Malacanang, di ba?” Reyes noted.
“‘Yun po ang sinasabi namin mass transport crisis, ang kakulangan ng maaasahan at episyenteng mass transport system. Para sa ating lahat, patuloy nating ipanawagan ang nararapat na serbisyo para sa ating mamamayan,” he added. /jpv
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