(John Louie Abrina/MANILA BULLETIN)

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to open the EDSA busway at night for the use of agricultural and food delivery vehicles.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 14, Lee said this was to facilitate the “prompt and efficient movement of essential food supplies” into Metro Manila.

Under House Resolution (HR) No. 2162, the lawmaker is seeking to allow agricultural and food delivery vehicles—particularly those transporting perishable goods—to traverse the EDSA busway from 10PM to 5AM, including Sundays and holidays.

“Through this, we can ensure the timely transport of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and other essential food items to Metro Manila and neighboring areas, which will help lower food prices and achieve food security,” he said.

Lee, a senatorial aspirant, pointed out that traffic congestion in Metro Manila hinders the timely arrival of perishable goods.

He said the delays caused by traffic often leads to food wastage and increased costs for both suppliers and consumers.

In his resolution, Lee said a formal policy is a must to ensure that all necessary measures are in place to regulate the entry of delivery vehicles, as well as to avoid potential disruptions to the primary function of the busway.

The DOTr is specifically directed to coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

“DOTr must facilitate consultations with agricultural and food industry stakeholders to further optimize the logistics of food supply chains and address issues related to food distribution within the National Capital Region,” noted Lee.

“Gusto nating maipatupad ito para makatulong, at hindi maging dagdag na abala o pabigat sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(We want it to be implemented to help, and not be an additional inconvenience or burden to all our countrymen.)

In addition to increasing support for local food producers, Lee said the government must also focus on implementing measures to ensure quicker travel of products into the market.

Cutting down on travel time, he said, is a crucial component in lowering the prices of goods.