Militant solons slam gov’t hosting of Apec summit in Manila

WITH THE Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit starting off with a massive traffic gridlock, some lawmakers are questioning the Aquino administration’s decision to hold the world leaders’ meeting in Metro Manila.

“It’s definitely a mistake. The whole metropolis will be practically shut down for nearly one week; flights canceled, affecting over a hundred thousand passengers; businesses forced to take on losses; workers deprived of nearly one week’s pay,” said Alliance of Concerned Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio.

Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon said that showcasing Manila’s hellish traffic to Apec leaders was an embarrassment to the country.

“The trouble is that the President sincerely believes that traffic is truly a sign of progress. After five years, traffic has worsened under his watch,” Ridon said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said that no matter how much the government spent for preparations, traffic continued to be horrible and the trains remained unreliable.

‘PR’ event

Colmenares said ordinary workers were made to bear the brunt of the government’s decision to host a “PR” event.

Both Tinio and Colmenares said Apec’s trade liberalization and privatization policies had been a burden on the Philippines and other developing countries.

“Three decades of the free trade economics espoused by Apec have brought about the destruction of local manufacturing, the ravaging of agriculture, and the massive privatization and commercialization of public services and infrastructure,” Tinio said.

Colmenares said that under Apec, 1 percent of the world’s population would have more wealth than the remaining 99 percent.