Prioritize transport reform laws, bets urged

MANILA, Philippines – A transport official yesterday urged the five presidential bets to prioritize transport reform laws and mass transportation system in the country.

Ariel Inton of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the presidential candidates should consider the daily traffic woes as a big problem, just like how they are proposing to fix poverty and corruption.

“It should be the first order of business of the next administration on how to solve the transport problem and implement the program. Our countrymen are waiting for a solution to solve the traffic problem,” he said.

Inton said traffic congestion in Metro Manila would be the hardest challenge the new administration would face.

He said that public trust would be restored if the new administration would get it resolved.

He also urged candidates to set aside “commercialization” and ensure the policies would be pro-people and pro-consumers.

“It means the new administration should set aside the interests of the people implementing the policy but cater to the interests of the general population,” Inton said.

He said the mass transportation system and inadequate transportation laws are a bigger problem that Filipino commuters are facing than corruption and poverty.

On the other hand, environmental groups called on voters to support candidates espousing care for the environment and public health.

The EcoWaste Coalition emphasized the need for voters to pick candidates who genuinely care for the health of humans and the ecosystems.

“We need women and men in public service who will stand for and defend our Mother Earth against greed, corruption, waste and pollution, as well as inaction. Voters should rally behind them and make them win,” EcoWaste Coalition coordinator Aileen Lucero said. – With Rhodina Villanueva