To avoid a repeat of the inconvenience experienced by millions of Filipinos and foreigners who traveled during last year’s Christmas holidays, a senator wants the government to focus on the improvement and integration of major transportation infrastructures.

In his Senate Resolution No. 1115, Senator Bam Aquino calls for an inquiry on the prioritization of transportation infrastructure projects and the efficiency of systems management in seaports, airports, expressways and national roads to streamline its operations to improve the services to the public.

“There is a need for the government to improve its limited network of seaports, airports and expressways so as not to inconvenience the transport of passenger and goods to different parts of the country,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Sen. Bam’s resolution will be tackled on March 4, 1 p.m. by the Committee on Economic Affairs.

During last year’s holiday season, millions of Filipinos and foreigners experienced heavy traffic and congestion in major ports, airports and toll ways in the country.

Based on news reports, massive traffic was recorded during the holiday rush in the South and North Luzon Expressways. The traffic was attributed to the slow processing of toll payments in the tollgates.

Furthermore, the public had to stop at several tollgates within a short distance and this resulted to the build-up of cars in the expressways.

Flight cancellations and delays were also reported during the recent holiday break in major airports in the country.

In addition, port congestion continues to be a problem with the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) at 86 percent and South Harbor Terminal at 91 percent, far from the ideal utilization level of 70 percent.

Sen. Bam said the government must conduct a periodic planning process that will identify critical road segments and undertake feasibility and economic analysis to determine the investment and improvement in the transportation infrastructure system.

“Different government agencies such as the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) need to intensify their inter-agency work plan and strategy in order to address the recurring heavy traffic in the flow of goods and passengers in the country,” the senator said.

Sen. Bam stressed that ground and air transportation infrastructures are crucial for economic development, domestic and foreign investment, and the growth of the tourism industry, as well as job creation, which are necessary to reduce poverty in the Philippines.

“The quality, adequacy and accessibility of infrastructure facilities and services are needed in order to achieve efficient movement of people and goods, and this ultimately impacts on the country’s competitiveness,” he said.