Aquino asks for understanding, cooperation to solve traffic, flood problem

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday expressed dismay at those who complain about flood and traffic problems in the country but are not willing to sacrifice for change.

“Sa paglaban sa baha, hanggang paglalatag ng imprastruktura, at maging sa pagsasaayos ng trapiko, ang namamayaning kaisipan ay ganito: ‘Okay kami sa solusyon, okay kami sa konstruksiyon, huwag lang kami ang maiipit sa implementasyon,’” Aquino said after he was briefed on the Flood Management Masterplan.

(When we combat flooding, lay out infrastructure and address traffic, the belief is: ‘We are okay with the solution, okay with the construction, as long as we’re not negatively affected by the implementation.)

Aquino, who was in Mandaluyong for the flood plan briefing and the inauguration of the Rizal Technological University, said that one of the radical proposals to reduce traffic was to use an odd-even scheme.

“Pihadong luluwang ang trapik dahil kalahati ng sasakyan ang mawawala, pero sigurado pong marami na namang aalma dahil hindi magagamit ang kotse nila,” he said.

(Surely our roads will be decongested because it will cut down the number of vehicles by half, but many people will surely complain because they will not be able to use their cars.)

Aquino said that while the government wants to find a solution for all problems, there are also limitations.

He called on the public to cooperate: “Makiisa at dagdagan ang pang-unawa at pasensiya. Sa inyo namang pakikiambag, masisiguro nating sabay-sabay tayong uunlad.”

(Cooperate and be more understanding and patient. Through your contribution, we will surely progress together.)

During his speech, Aquino acknowledged that the National Capital Region (NCR) does not have enough drainage capacity and that the “comprehensive” plan presented by Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson is what the country needs.

He said a similar plan to address traffic will soon be submitted to him. Kristine Angeli Sabillo/JE