Pacquiao favors budget increase for active transport

FILE PHOTO: Senator and presidential candidate Manny Pacquiao. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Manny Pacquiao is backing proposals to increase the budget for active transport such as bicycles.

The presidential candidate even said he supports initiatives to promote inter-modal transportation.

“Yes, pabor ako diyan para masolusyonan talaga ‘yung problema dito sa atin na matagal nang kino-complain sa atin,” Pacquiao replied when asked if he agrees in giving more funds for active transport. He is campaigning in Pangasinan on Wednesday.

(Yes, I am in favor of that so our problem on transportation, which many have been complaining about for so long, will already be resolved.)

READ: Pandemic shows why Metro Manila needs more, better bike lanes

He said he has supported measures for the creation of bicycle lanes as well as the promotion of bikes as a mode of transportation.

Aside from bicycles, Pacquiao said he would also push for the integration of all transportation modes for smooth mobility for the public.

He noted that integrating all transport modes will resolve traffic congestion, help reduce pollution, and lifestyle diseases.

The senator said he would likewise push for the expansion of railway and subway systems across the archipelago, especially in Visayas and Mindanao.

READ: Mindanao Railway construction set to start in 2022

Pacquiao further said he hopes that the first bullet train in the Philippines would be built during his term if he wins the presidency.

KGA