Duterte urged: Move air, sea ports out of Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - A commuters’ group urged President Duterte yesterday to implement the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) proposal to transfer the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Manila North Harbor operations outside of Metro Manila.

The JICA proposal – which involves transferring the airport to Cavite and harbor operations to the Batangas City port – to decongest traffic is also being pushed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, said Elvira Medina, president of the National Center for Commuters Safety and Protection Inc. (NCCSPI).

The Duterte administration is seeking emergency powers from Congress to address the worsening traffic congestion in Metro Manila. 

Medina urged the government to also implement a seamless and integrated transportation system if NAIA and Manila North Harbor operations are moved outside Metro Manila.

She said redeveloping Sangley Point in Cavite, combined with an access road system, may turn out to be cheaper than using Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

The JICA study also found that additional commuting cost for passengers if Clark Field, Pampanga is converted as the country’s main airport makes the plan not feasible.

JICA noted that since domestic shipping is primarily from the south of Manila, there would be savings in ship operating cost if they dock at the Batangas City port rather than at the Manila North Harbor.

JICA, in its 2014 study requested by the National Economic Development Authority, had concluded that traffic jams have been resulting in productivity loss of at least P2.4 billion a day.

The JICA proposal also includes the construction of a mega Manila subway system as well as reforming road-based transportation system to ease traffic in Metro Manila.

“These solutions being out forward by JICA should be adopted by the Duterte administration if it is serious in addressing the worsening traffic problem. We support these proposals fully,” she added.