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Poe To DOTr: Projects List First, Public Hearing Next
“The Executive branch is in a hurry to pass the emergency powers bill, but based on our hearings, we have learned that the DOTr and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have yet to come up with concrete projects under the emergency powers bill,” observed Poe.
Sans submission of a draft bill from the DOTr that will also spell out proposed projects and particular issues to be addressed, Poe emphasized that the committee will still conduct consultative technical working group meetings to fast-track the crafting of solutions that will address the traffic and transport problems in the country.
At the August 25 public hearing led by Poe on the proposed emergency powers, Transportation officials asked the Senate panel to give them two weeks to prepare a bill of particulars, including list of proposed projects, to solve the traffic crisis.
The Senate has already heard the proposals of urban planners and the transport and commuter groups, and expects the DOTr to incorporate suggestions from stakeholders.
“Paano tayo gagawa ng epektibo at komprehensibong plano kung hindi natin nakukunsulta ang mga apektadong sektor? Sana hindi tayo magsayang ng pera at oras sa pagpapatupad sa mga planong hindi naman lubusang mapapakinabangan ng taumbayan,” Poe said.
“Sa ilalim ng mga proposed emergency power bills, two to three years lang ibinigay natin sa kanilang palugit. Sana naman hindi maubos iyung palugit na iyun sa pagpaplano lamang. Dapat ngayon, may maiprisinta na silang mga plano kung ano ang gagawin nila para masolusyunan ang trapiko sakaling hindi maipasa ang emergency powers bill,” the senator added.
