OK of transport projects wins praise from NPC solon

THE APPROVAL of several big ticket infrastructure projects by the Aquino administration recently has won praises, even from members of Congress who are not allied with the administration.

One of the legislators, Rep. Win Gatchalian, is all praises for the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), which approved the projects, including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Metro Manila.

“We thank Neda and President Aquino, who chairs the Neda board, for approving infrastructure projects that will benefit current and future generations,” said Gatchalian, a senatorial candidate, in a statement.

Three of those approved by Neda are transportation projects that Gatchalian, a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and of the senatorial ticket of the opposition United Nationalist Alliance, said were timely.

These are the Manila-Quezon Avenue BRT, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx)-South Lu- zon Expressway (SLEx) Connector Road and the four lane toll road linking NLEx and SLEx.

“Inclusive economic growth is simply impossible without an enhanced transportation system,” said Gatchalian in his statement.

“Worsening traffic is not a sure sign at all of inclusive growth but of mismanagement of the country’s transportation system and the failure to control the number of cars plying our thoroughfares,” he said.

Gatchalian, a three-term mayor of Valenzuela City, had previously filed a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking an investigation of the causes and possible solutions to traffic in Metro Manila.

Gatchalian said the BRT system is of particular interest to him because he had seen it work during a visit to Colombia.

“BRTs are expected to utilize exclusive right-of-way lanes, promote efficient boarding and alighting of passengers,” said Gatchalian.