Presidentiable Isko Moreno to prioritize spaces for private vehicles

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso will prioritize the construction of main roads, connectors between districts, and more space for vehicles in Metro Manila if elected president in the upcoming national elections.

Domagoso bared his plan during his 10-point “Bilis Kilos” economic agenda live press conference on Monday, Jan. 31.

“Epifanio de los Santos (EDSA) is just one traffic street. Everywhere is traffic. Traffic should be addressed. As a matter of general approach, I think we can duplicate our roads vertically,” said Domagoso when asked how he would address city planning in Metro Manila.

“We should create more connectors not only from the north and south, but I think it’s high time for east meets west type of vertical roads to ease and create more spaces for vehicular traffic,” he said.

When further asked about public transportation alternatives such as bus routes or trains, Domagoso asserted that the construction of more roads would be the more feasible alternative.

“Trains is good, but I hope that the countries who are good like Japan or Korea and other countries, European countries, will invest in our country then so be it. But I cannot just wait for these countries to invest and let the people suffer by not addressing the traffic. I think duplication of roads and creating more space for vehicles is the immediate and kayang gawin ng pamahalaan (feasible solution by the government) in the long term,” explained Domagoso.

“I hope that the private investor, foreign investor, please expand our train system, you are welcome to the Philippines. Ayaw ko isasaalang-alang ang kinabukasan ng mga Filipino sa palad ng ibang tao at ibang bansa (I do not want to leave the future of the Filipinos in the hands of other countries)... We cannot wait and wait for the investor to come in,” he added.