Marcos to Cabinet: Propose solutions to traffic crisis, cite work adjustments

EDSA (File photo by JAM STA. ROSA)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. instructed his Cabinet secretaries to submit their proposals on how to alleviate the country’s worsening traffic crisis, according to National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday.

Marcos held a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday in Malacañang, where traffic congestion and the country’s economic outlook were discussed.

‘Traffic capital of the world’

“The President gave instruction to everyone to submit their recommendations – how their respective offices will adjust and configure their work environment,” said Balisacan.

“But what the President really wants is a comprehensive, holistic approach to solving the traffic problem – not the piecemeal approach as has been the case all these years,” he noted.

Included in the meeting were Balisacan, Education Secretary and Vice President Sara Duterte, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Balisacan cited the proper planning of the country’s transport system.

“We should be looking at intermodal transport system and see how they operate efficiently as a whole. We are building now the subway. We are building other expressways, bridges connecting Bataan and Cavite and so on,” said Balisacan.

“But these have to be seen in the context of all the other transport systems including bike lanes, motorcycle lanes… like that, and as well as feeder roads, and including the location of industries, residences and so on,” he explained.

READ: Manila currently holds the ‘world’s worst traffic in metro area’ title

Metro Manila gained the title of the world’s worst traffic in a metro area, according to a traffic research firm.

Motorists average a total of 25 minutes and 30 seconds for a 10-kilometer trip.