Crisis powers prospects dim

The House of Representatives is not likely to pass the measure granting special powers for Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to solve Metro Manila’s traffic woes before the year ends.

In a radio interview, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said it would be difficult to pass the measure before Congress goes on Christmas break.

He said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) failed to submit specific plans detailing what the agency intends to do with the special powers.

“The emergency powers will be quite difficult [to pass], because the DoTr has not been cooperative,” Alvarez said. “He has to lay down first what they plan to do, so Congress will know what emergency powers we could give.” —VINCE F. NONATO