The alliance of aspiring president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio will prioritize the modernization of the ferry transportation system along the Pasig River if they win in the upcoming elections.
Marcos Jr. said Thursday, Jan. 13 they will look at the possibility of tasking the government to manage the program, instead of allowing the private sector to run it and get profit.
Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio's UniTeam alliance said it has included in its mass transportation blueprint the plan to modernize the Pasig River Ferry System.
"Alam naman natin na kapag private company ang may hawak, sigurado kahit papano ay kailangan nilang kumita. Ngunit kapag gobyerno ang mamahala nito ay hindi na ito dapat pang pagkakitaan (We know that if it's run by a private company, they surely need to earn profit. That's why when it's run by the government, there's no need for it to be profitable)," the presidential aspirant said.
"Dahil ang malutas lang ang problema sa trapiko ay malaking tulong na sa ating mga kababayan at magpapakita rin na ang gobyerno ay tapat at tunay na naglilingkod sa tao (To address the traffic problem is already a big help to our countrymen. It will also show how the government is honest in its service to the people)," he added.
According to Marcos, utilizing the Pasig River Ferry System will not only address the traffic problem. He said it will also play a big role in spurring economic activities. by citing a February 2018 study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which showed that the country is losing P3.5-B daily in potential income and productivity because of daily traffic jams in Metro Manila.
"Kaya naman importante na masolusyonan natin ito (So it's important to solve this problem)," he said.
Marcos also vowed that their alliance will fully support the immediate approval of the proposed Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program which is being pushed by the incumbent Duterte administration.
He said if the ferry system can be strengthened, it will not only bring convenience to commuters and motorists but will also ease pollution levels in Metro Manila that can help the environment.