What are the transport policies of our presidential candidates? Or, what statement or acts have they made that would reveal their transport agenda? Given how vital transport is to our country’s overall development, such a question should be on our list of considerations in discerning who among our candidates should get our vote.
But before I begin, I need to make a full disclosure: I am currently in the campaign team of Mayor Isko Moreno, being a believer in his capabilities as shown by what he has done in Manila and his readiness in having a program to move our country forward once elected. Rest assured, however, that this article will be an objective reporting on what our presidentiables have said, acted or stated so far, relative to transport. There will be no judgements made but just a presentation of what I have heard, read or gathered from the news sources.
Sen. Ping Lacson: In a virtual meeting with several bus operators, Senator Lacson promised an end to the seemingly unsolvable “kotong” or the grease money that is extracted regularly from our public transport sector by certain members of our police and traffic enforcer groups. As such, Senator Ping revealed his thrust to pursue discipline among those in uniform as well as his anti-corruption campaign.
Mayor Isko Moreno: Responding to questions on validity of checkpoints raised by motorcycle riders in a face-to-face meeting with them, Mayor Isko said this is discriminatory because only those in motorcycles are the ones required to go through such checkpoints while those in automobiles are allowed to pass. This provides us an insight on Mayor Isko’s pursuit of equal and fair treatment for all, regardless of one’s socio-economic class; and his pro-poor stance, saying that those less in life should have more from the government. He also made several statements on reducing taxes on fuel, which will benefit those in the public transport sector. Mayor Isko also stated publicly that he intends to continue the “Build, Build, Build” program of this administration and sees the program as a key driver to economic recovery.
Vice President Leni Robredo: In a meeting with business leaders, VP Leni stated her priority on infrastructure, in particular making roads for people not cars. A commuter herself, this mobility shift will put more emphasis on public transport, lessening previous car-centric policies from previous administrations.
Former Sen. Bongbong Marcos: Modernization of our country’s transport infrastructure was stated by Senator Marcos in a recent press statement from his office. This would include the rehabilitation of ageing seaports, airports and railways and the creation of logistics hubs across the country. Marcos also envisions positioning the country as a logistics hub in Asia, similar to what former President Fidel Ramos tried to achieve during his term with the global logistics giant Federal Express operating its regional hub in Subic at that time.
Sen. Manny Pacquiao: No major transport pronouncement by Senator Manny since he filed his candidacy for president, but one notable act of Senator Manny on transport was when he pushed for the EDSA Bus Rapid Transit when the EDSA buses where still on the right most lane, as well as his endorsement of a bus or rail line that would traverse the east- west corridor along the Pasig River.
Other candidates: Unfortunately, I have not come across any transport-related pronouncements from the other candidates, in particular from former General Antonio Parlade and former presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella.
With regards to Sen. Bong Go, regrettably he has formally stated his intent to withdraw, though he has always been on public transport sector’s side. This he has shown with his recent push for them to be given financial assistance during the pandemic.
Transport is indeed a major concern of any government and it would be good if presidentiables show us their plans on transport and mobility if elected. We still have five months left and we do hope our presidentiables will give us a clearer transport agenda for us to discern and consider.
The author may be reached at: thomas_orbos@sloan.mit.edu