Department of Transportation

Bam: Ingatan ang padala ng mga OFW, iwasan ang port congestion

Senator Bam Aquino called on concerned government agencies and private stakeholders to work together to prevent congestion in the Port of Manila to avoid delays in the arrival of products and packages, especially from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to their loved ones.

 “Maraming pamilya ang nag-aabang ng mga padala mula sa minamahal nilang OFWs ngayong panahon ng kapaskuhan. Sayang naman kung mabubulok lang ito sa ating mga pantalan kapag may congestion,” said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam made the call after an official of the Department of Transportation warned that port congestion may occur with the influx of goods and products from other countries as Christmas season approaches.

“If you remember, two years ago the port congestion was a big headache for Filipinos in Metro Manila – delivery of goods was delayed, cargo trucks caused traffic, and balikbayan boxes remained stranded in the port. We were able to solve the problem then, but we must guard against another port congestion,” the senator stressed.

During his term as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress, Sen. Bam initiated a probe on the congestion that occurred at the Port ofManila two years ago.

 After bringing government agencies and private stakeholders in one table, the problem was ironed out after several months of investigation.

But Aquino said that the heavy volume of containers from September to December may revive the problem.

“Sa ngayon, maaaring normal ang operasyon at maluwag pa ang ating mga pantalan pero baka maulit ang port congestion sa pagdagsa ng mga kargamento sa huling bahagi ng taon. Kailangan na natin itong paghandaan ngayon pa lang,” added Sen. Bam.

Senate Bill No. 647: Sustainable Transport Network Act

The development of transportation infrastructure is pivotal to the growth of the nation. Wealth and opportunities ply through roads connecting communities, on board vehicles that bear the riches of our land. But it’s not without its own consequences. The development derived from every road built also spurs the demand for more vehicles. And when road networks reach their carrying capacities, when they become congested, expedient and convenient transportation is stunted and the emission from motorized vehicles amplify health and environmental hazards.

The State must endeavor to reverse this trend by balancing the demand for transportation and for healthy and livable communities for all. Transportation must be made sustainable. The State must endeavor the reduction of emissions, and the maximization of alternate modes of transportation with little to no harmful impact on our health and the environment.

This measure seeks to develop a National Sustainable Mobility Network Plan through the Department of Transportation and Communication that shall guide LGUs in developing a local version of this plan in coordination with the Local Bikeways Office to be established in all LGUs, creating facilities and programs that shall prioritize and endorse the shift to the use of non-motorized vehicles, public transportation, and intermodal transportation involving both.

Further, programs contained herein are designed to set the tone of for immediate and long-term government support for users of non-motorized transporCation, and encourage private sector participation in the goals of this measure.

It is high that we revisit State policy towards transportation, and for us to champion the new paradigm in the movement of people and things: “Those that have less in wheels must have more in roads.”

In view of the foregoing, the early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Bam to Transportation officials: Make life easier for MRT riders

While waiting for arrival of additional trains and implementation of other long-term plans for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), Sen. Bam Aquino asked the Department of Transportation to immediately provide commuters with protection against the elements, especially during this rainy season.

“I know that you are already doing the wagons, the trains but can we do something very short term, very low-hanging fruit. Puwede bang manigurado lang na walang mababasa habang rainy season na at habang naghihintay,” said Sen. Bam during the hearing of the Senate committee on public service on the proposal to grant President Duterte emergency powers to solve the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

“Basically, mga tolda, hindi naman ganun kamahal iyon, kakaunti lang ang mga stops,” he added.

Sen. Bam also calls on Transportation Secretary Art Tugade to take it a step further by providing commuters with free drinking water and Wi-Fi service as they wait for the next train to arrive.

 “I don’t think it will be much cost to government pero malaking bagay iyon sa mga naghihintay,” the senator said.

 Tugade said he will immediately order his men to ensure that commuters will be protected from the elements.

“Doon sa mga comfort ng mga nakapila, mayroon ding kaming mga proyekto na mamimili sila ng ticket sa ibang outlet, gaya ng tindahan at mall,” said Tugade.

 “Mayroon ring kaming kausap na mall, na may open area kung saan dadaan iyong may ticket na, they can hang around with the children,” he added.

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