JV bats for bus terminals outside Metro

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has expressed support for the relocation of provincial bus terminals from Pasay City and Cubao to other areas outside the metropolis.

In his visit to Albay to speak during the “Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Law Forum” held at Ibalong Conference Room in Legazpi City Hall, the former mayor of San Juan said passenger buses are the cause of traffic along EDSA.

While admitting that he’s not an expert on traffic, he cited that the decision of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) should be given a chance in order to reduce traffic congestion along EDSA.

“We have just to give it to the experts; I am not an expert in traffic. Kaso ngayon , it’s a problem so we have to give them a chance. Tingnan natin, lahat naman experimental, I was also a mayor, hindi naman lahat alam mo ang sagot eh, so kinakailangan magexperiment ka rin, so pag naging successful, tuloy-tuloy na natin,” Ejercito told the Manila Bulletin.

Earlier, Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda criticized the relocation of provincial bus terminals, as an “anti-poor” move because provincial bus passengers are those who cannot afford the more expensive plane fares.

Meanwhile, Ejercito confirmed that he has sponsored a bill granting President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to solve the transportation crisis in the country.

According to Ejercito, part of the bill is the modernization of Philippine airports and the railway system that will connect the north of Luzon to as far as Matnog in Sorsogon province.

“I’m still pushing the railway system. I’m sure it will bring a lot of benefits. It will decongest traffic and also will spread development in the countryside,” Ejercito explained.