Rody to shun Metro Manila events until traffic woes solved

MANILA, Philippines – President Duterte yesterday issued a public apology for declining all invitations for speaking engagements in Metro Manila, saying he does not want to make traffic jams worse and unnecessarily inconvenience citizens.

In an open letter read by presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella in Davao City on Saturday and posted on Facebook yesterday, Duterte explained that while he considers the invitations as both a privilege and a responsibility, he also worries about possible traffic jams if he travels anywhere within the metro.

“I have had to, again and again, decline for a very simple reason: as President, my travels always include protocols and security measures, which create traffic congestion and disturb the flow of everyday lives and traffic activities,” he said.

“It seems only prudent and sensible not to add unnecessary stress to our efforts of creating comfortable lives that include all,” he added.

The letter was addressed to the individuals, communities, organizations, companies and other institutions in the municipality of Pateros and the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela.

Duterte said he has received numerous invitations to grace events and become the guest of honor.

“As it is, we are still burdened with traffic issues in Metro Manila areas… until such time that we have effectively addressed these matters, please understand that I may need to decline your warm and respectful invitation. My deepest apologies,” the President said.

“But please bear in mind that I have only your – the people’s and the nation’s – best interest at heart,” he added.

Various sectors earlier broached the idea of giving Duterte emergency powers to solve the traffic problem, which according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), costs the Philippines around P2.4 billion every day or about P800 billion a year.

JICA noted that if the traffic problem is not addressed properly, the daily productivity losses may reach as high as P6 billion a day by 2030.

JICA also suggested the transfer of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport operations to the Sangley Point airport, the transfer of the North Harbor operations to Batangas, transforming the harbor area into a mixed-use waterfront commercial area, and the development of a mega subway system, among other recommendations.