Poe to call for Senate hearing on Edsa provincial bus ban

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe on Wednesday said she will call for a Senate hearing on the Edsa provincial bus ban as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is all set to hold a dry run of the scheme on August 6 or 7.

While praising the intention of the MMDA to ease traffic flow along the major highway through this move, Poe said there might be inconveniences for commuters when it is finally implemented.

“Para sa akin, kailangan talagang magkaroon ng pagdinig muli. Kasi hindi lamang naman ‘yung mga, halimbawa provincial buses kung aalisin man, papaano na ‘yung ating mga pasahero, ‘yung mga mananakay?” she said in an interview with DZMM.

(For me, there should really be a hearing again. Because if provincial buses will be removed, what will happen to commuters?)

READ: Edsa provincial bus ban dry run to push through without fines — MMDA

Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said she also wants to know if colorum buses operating on Edsa have already been removed as they also cause traffic buildup.

“Opo, in the next two weeks,” she said when asked categorically if she will call for the hearing. “Kailangan lang nating i-submit ‘yung resolution para magpatawag (We just need to submit a resolution to call for [a hearing].”

Memorandum Circular 2019-031 of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board which takes effect on August 2 states that all routes of provincial buses with terminals along Edsa will end at the interim terminals in Valenzuela and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

READ: MMDA: Edsa’s provincial bus ban to start August; violators face sanction

Poe said that should the MMDA continues with the provincial bus ban along Edsa, it may be “inhumane” for commuters who rely on provincial buses for transportation.

“Maraming mga komentaryo at parang totoo naman na ang mga naapektuhan din, ‘yun nga, ‘yung mga pinakamahihirap na sektor dahil sila ‘yung nagba-bus. Kaya parang hindi makatao ‘yung paglilipat,” she said.

(There are many commentaries, which seems to be true, that the poor sector will be affected because they are the ones who take buses in commuting. So the transfer [of terminals] may be inhumane.)  /muf