(Eagle News)–Senator Koko Pimentel has urged Congress to revisit the proposal to grant emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte to address what he said was the worsening traffic in Metro Manila.
Pimentel, however, stopped short of saying the powers should be granted to the President, who had requested for the same upon assumption of office.
This even as he acknowledged that those emergency powers may allow the government to immediately enter into projects that can help solve traffic issues.
These projects, he said, include constructing an elevated road and walkways and bike lanes along Edsa, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard and Ayala Ave, among others.
He said it was best if these projects were managed by private firms.
“Last year, ang estimated economic loss natin was at P3.5 billion araw-araw dahil sa Metro Manila and Cebu traffic. Dapat nating ma-solusyonan yan! We are losing money and our patience everyday and the opportunity to spend more time sa ating mga kapamilya,” Pimentel said.