House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Cavite Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday, Sept. 29, decried the budget allotted to the Department of the Transportation (DOTr) for the agency's lack of an enforcement program during the budget plenary session.
Remulla slammed the DOTr's P211 million budget for personal services and maintenance and other operating expenses for failing to come up with a program to enforce transportation laws.
The congressman from Cavite's 7th District criticized the transportation agency's lack of enforcement especially with the DOTr earning so much from charging fees for its Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS).
He also cited some road violations which are being overlooked by the DOTr and putting the lives of vehicle owners in danger.
"Huwag po tayong maglalagay ng programa kung hindi natin kayang bigyan ng hustisya ang bawat Pilipino (Let us not put a program if we are not able to give justice for every Filipino)," Remulla said.
Remulla, a former Cavite governor, also denounced DOTr Secretary Art Tugade for not fulfilling his promise to implement an enforcement mechanism.
He also threatened to defer the budget of the DOTr but Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. asked the Cavite congressman to withdraw his motion before continuing with his manifestation.
Pichay also agreed with Remulla's call for the need of an enforcement budget and even asked the latter to make amendments for the DOTr budget. (Melvin Sarangay)