Revilla prods Congress on emergency powers to solve traffic crisis

Rep. Strike Revilla is urging Congress to immediately act on approving his proposal to grant President Duterte emergency powers to untangle the worsening traffic gridlock in the metropolis.

The lawmaker from the first district of Cavite has filed House Bill 1666, otherwise known as the “Public Thoroughfare Crisis Act of 2016,” seeking to empower the President to implement emergency measures and mechanisms to address the traffic crisis, stop economic losses, and provide relief to millions of commuters.

Revilla cited a study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) estimating that the Philippine economy loses P2.4 billion a day due to traffic congestion in 2012, and this is expected to worsen up to P6 billion by 2030 if not properly resolved.

“Drastic traffic reduction measures are necessary to be undertaken through traffic management reforms,” Revilla said.

He said traffic congestion is a result of lack of proper infrastructure which includes roads, bridges, drainage and flood control facilities.

He added government is even constrained to suspend school and work during heavy rains due to flooding, which also result in economic losses.

Aside from Metro Manila, the bill covers adjacent cities and municipalities in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal.