Tolentino to push for emergency powers to solve PH traffic woes
M
ANILA-- Former Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, who is currently among the winning circle of 12 in the midterm polls’ senatorial race, said he is going to push for the passage of emergency powers in the Senate to solve traffic woes, particularly in Metro Manila.
Tolentino, former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, said he is willing to “refile” an emergency powers measure despite the measures pending in both chambers of Congress.
“Nabanggit ko iyon noong campaign na kung kinakailangang ire-file iyong emergency powers,gagawin po natin yan(I mentioned during the campaign that if there is a need to refile an emergency powers measure, I’ll do that),” Tolentino said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Friday.
Tolentino, among the candidates endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte in the May 13 polls, said he will discuss his plan with the Chief Executive.
He also said he would want to strengthen the mandate of the MMDA, which is currently in charge of crafting and implementing a development plan to address transport decongestion, climate change, waste management, and disaster prevention, among others.
“Pagbabago ng mandato na rin noong MMDA, kung papaano mas magiging epektibo sila para tumulong maibsan ang traffic sa Metro Manila (We need to change the mandate of the MMDA, how they can be more effective in resolving traffic in Metro Manila),” Tolentino said.
Although majority of the leading senatorial candidates in the recent elections are allied with the administration, Tolentino said he will not be the President’s lapdog.
He emphasized that the Senate should be viewed as an “institution” and that the public should pay less attention to individual members.
Tolentino also pointed out that there is a separation of powers between branches of government but acknowledged that he and the President have similar priority legislation.
“Hindi po ibig sabihin na sinunod namin iyong ganito ay ganoon na. Gaya ko po, marami pa hong initiative si Pangulo na pareho kami (It doesn’t mean we’ll be blind followers. It’s just that the President and I have similar initiatives),” he said.
Several lawmakers have filed bills granting Duterte emergency powers to solve traffic problems after the President said in his first state of the nation address (SONA) in 2016 that traffic woes should be “legitimately addressed” if Congress could accord him emergency power s.
Duterte, however, eventually said he has given up on his plan to address the worsening traffic situation after some lawmakers claimed that emergency powers might be used for corrupt activities.
– Press Release M
ANILA-- Metro Manila police personnel will participate in this year's "Brigada Eskwela" by helping clean classrooms and doing carpentry work, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief, Major Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said Sunday.
"I already ordered the five district directorsna mag-ikot sa mgaschools in Metro Manila at tumulong maglinis as well to provide security. Ako din mag-iikot sa mga schools startingtomorrow (I already ordered the five district directors to make the rounds of schools in Metro Manila and help clean them up, as well as provide security. I will also visit schools starting Monday)," Eleazar said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency ( PNA) .
He said the NCRPO will also provide cleaning and painting materials for the Brigada Eskwela, a week-long activity of the Department of Education that brings together teachers, parents, and other members of the community to work together to prepare classrooms and other facilities of public schools in time for the opening of classes in June.
Eleazar further said police operatives will go on heightened alert status as part of security preparations for the reopening of schools and universities across Metro Manila on June 3.
He said he has ordered full police visibility on the streets, as well as the setting up of police assistance desks (PADs) in various schools and universities.
“I would like to rally everyone to close in on the vicinities of these schools. We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals, such as pickpockets and snatchers," Eleazar said.
He said police marshals will be deployed to secure passengers of buses, UV Express, taxicabs, and jeepneys.
“We will be everywhere, especially our police detectives who would secure students and other commuters inside buses, and passenger jeepneys,” Eleazar said.
“All police personnel assigned in PADs should coordinate with the Department of Education school authorities and local government officials,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will join the Brigada Eskwela for the first time.
PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, in a memorandum, directed all PDEA regional offices to actively participate in the initiative, and help ensure its effective implementation in selected public elementary and secondary schools in their respective areas.
“PDEA agents and personnel are more than ready to extend assistance in cleaning up classrooms and school grounds, and the repair and repainting of walls, ceilings, chairs, tables and other fixtures, in preparation for a safe, clean, and conducive learning environment for incoming students,” Aquino said in a statement.
He said PDEA has allocated PHP5,000 per province and PHP5,000 per district in the National Capital Region for the purchase of cleaning and beautification materials to be used during the program.
“In keeping with the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, PDEA volunteers its effort, time and resources to participate in the country’s quest to foster safe, healthy learning environment for today’s students and become tomorrow’s productive citizens,” the PDEA chief said.