DoTr 2023 funding gets backing
Go appealed for the ‘Libreng Sakay’ initiative to be fully funded as the service provides free bus rides for commuters along the EDSA Busway.
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has expressed his support for the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation for 2023 and has urged the agency to continue demonstrating “malasakit” for commuters and travelers by assisting them in the provision of safe and effective public transportation services.
During the plenary deliberations on the proposed budget of the DoTr on Wednesday, the senator cited experiences of Filipinos regarding delayed flights and requested the DoTr to look out for the safety of those in similar situations.
“I would like to express my full support for the passage of the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation and its attached agencies,” Go said.
As the economy gradually reopens and recovers, Go has placed a strong emphasis on the significant role that the DoTr plays in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of transportation throughout the country and ensuring that people arrive at their destinations safely.
In addition, Go appealed for the “Libreng Sakay” initiative to be fully funded as the service provides free bus rides for commuters along the EDSA Busway and emphasized the importance of allocating funds for the Pantawid Pasada program to assist public transportation drivers who are particularly hard hit by the increase in oil prices.
Aside from this, the lawmaker appealed to the DoTr to ensure the continued implementation of the Mindanao Railway System which is one of the priority projects of the past administration and is part of the “Build Build Build” program.
During the hearing, Go also expressed his support for the budgets of DoTr’s attached agencies which have crucial roles to play in ensuring safe and efficient public transport in the country.
The senator cited that he particularly pushed for additional budget for the PNR in the DoTr’s current 2022 budget. He also earlier successfully appealed for the inclusion of additional budget in 2022 for the acquisition of modern equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard.