The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has sought for the declaration of traffic calamity in Metro Manila which will qualify for the release of emergency relief.
Eduardo Yap, chair of MAP Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in a hearing at the House of Representatives on March 20, presented the group’s holistic plan which calls for such a declaration and the appointment of a new management task force headed by a traffic czar.
The task force will undertake a comprehensive program to provide the soonest relief with administrative and management measures including transportation infrastructures focused on mass public transportation.
Yap said traffic congestion in Metro Manila has been so severe that an estimated P3.5 billion daily economic loss is being incurred.
Yap said this is more than the P1-billion hurdle for the declaration of a state of calamity.
“This (P1-billion loss) more than merits a declaration of a state of calamity in Metro Manila by the President who may avail of emergency powers to provide relief measures,” Yap said.
Yap also suggested the progressive conversion of EDSA Busway to electric power as an environment-friendly measure in public transportation.
Yap expressed MAP’s opposition to let private EVs use the busway lane which is dedicated for public buses.
