Rody unnerved by NCR traffic
President Duterte said he turned to neighboring countries for assistance and stressed that the “horrendous” traffic situation in Metro Manila cannot be solved by the Philippine government alone.
Duterte, speaking at an event in Clark, Pampanga recently, pointed out that the traffic congestion in Metro Manila is due to the lack of infrastructure for mobility.
"Traffic is really horrendous. We are living in a horrendous life. Unless relief can come somewhere else, we are stuck with it," Duterte said.
Lack of infra "Ang kulang lang natin is the (What we lack is) infrastructure for mobility. But in due time, I think in the fullness of God’s time, we will have it," he added.
"I hope it would come even half of what they have offered so far. Kahit kalahati lang sana (Even just half will do)," he continued, referring to the infrastructure investments pledged by Japan and China.
According to Duterte, he opted to approach other countries because he believes that the Philippines cannot solve this particular problem on its own.
"I went to China, started to move around and then to Japan and Korea. 'Yan ang ginawa ko. Pero kung sabihin mo na mag-asa pa ako sa tayo-tayo, mahirap (That's what I did. Because if you tell me that we can do it alone, that's difficult)," he said.
Mass transport system "Well, then we continue to suffer until such time that Japan or China, whoever gets there first to build the [infrastructures] – and if we have the financing, then we can move," he added.
According to Duterte, building infrastructure, including the expansion of highways, and improving the mass transport system, is one of the solutions to address the problem.
"But I think the most practical thing to do is really [improve] the mass transport system. And many are willing. It’s only a matter of the grid," he said.
Decongesting Metro Manila Meanwhile, Duterte said he is looking into spreading industrial activity to other key cities in the country as he deemed that Metro Manila will be beyond salvation in at least 10 years.
"You have to disperse the crowd, limit the factories at some time in the future. But about 10 years from now, they should close Manila and start to develop [other cities]," he added, referring to other areas such as Clark, Pampanga.
"So Manila is no longer an option for industries. They have to go to the provinces," he continued.
In a bid to decongest the National Capital Region and create alternative hubs, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) relocated its main office from Mandaluyong City to Clark, Pampanga last July.
According to the DOTr, the move is aimed at helping decongest traffic in Metro Manila, reduce travel time, improve travel of motorists, and boost development in "the peripheries of the National Capital Region."