PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday said following traffic rules and observing road discipline are among the immediate measures needed to help address the traffic situation in the country, adding those in the government should be the first ones to follow them.
In his 257th vlog, the President said other measures intended to solve the traffic problem, especially in Metro Manila, would be useless without discipline.
“Abusing and ignoring traffic laws is not a privilege included in the oath of a public servant.
The government and all its agencies will take the lead in being disciplined on the road,” Marcos said.
He said that apart from following the traffic rules, being respectful and courteous on the streets is also important.
“What Filipinos lack the most is discipline. We should follow traffic rules. We act like we will run out of roads. Even if the streets are new, if we have the same attitude, nothing will change,” he said.
The President said the “new Filipinos” are disciplined, follow traffic rules, give way to others and “higit sa lahat, hindi naghahari-harian sa daan (most of all, do not act as if they are the king of the roads).”
Marcos also said that acknowledging the simple actions or gestures of others on the streets with a thank you or a simple wave of the hand will go a long way.
The President, during a Cabinet meeting in Malacanang last week, discussed the traffic situation in the country, especially in Metro Manila, and wants a comprehensive and holistic approach to solve the problem.
Marcos also ordered government agencies to submit recommendations on how their respective offices will adjust and configure their work environment.
A traffic summit is set to be held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday and Marcos engaged everyone to participate. He said the public may even give their suggestions through the comment section of his social media accounts.
GOVT ACTION
Among the actions being undertaken by the government is the development of nearby provinces and cities through the building of more infrastructures not just for transport but also to provide equal opportunities outside Metro Manila.
“Metro Manila is already congested and part of the plan is to develop nearby provinces and cities — Bulacan and Pampanga up north and Cavite and Laguna down south,” he said.
Marcos said the construction of new bridges, roads and highways, expanding the train systems and building of subways are among the ongoing projects.
He urged the public to be more patient and understanding as these projects, while in the construction phase, will also add to the traffic congestion.
“Be patient, once they are completed, you can expect a better situation,” he said.
The President also acknowledged some of the practices adopted by some agencies and private companies to ease the impact of traffic congestion not just on their employees but also on the public.
He said among these are the work-from-home policy that was adopted during the pandemic and was retained by some companies as long as their employees can fulfill their tasks and responsibilities; the four-day work week where employees report to work four times a week and work at home on the fifth day; and the adjustment of work hours to avoid the rush hours.
“These are all good solutions that can help improve our traffic situation. In the next few days, we will discuss the details with the different agencies and LGUs,” he said.
“The new Filipinos adapt to the changes and never run out of solutions and innovations.
Most of all, the new Filipinos are disciplined so let’s be part of the solution,” he added.
