Extra powers only way out

So, what they are claiming about the potential of corruption is addressed by the oversight functions and powers of Congress

Light at tunnel’s end Main roads of Metro Manila will soon have multi-level roadways, which, along with the extended mass transit systems, hope to end the daily vehicle traffic ordeal of Filipinos. ROMAN PROSPERO

Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade was firm yesterday on the need for President Rodrigo Duterte to be granted emergency powers to solve the Metro Manila road traffic crisis.

Tugade issued the statement despite an earlier pronouncement by Mr. Duterte that he had given up on acquiring such powers, because of the opposition of Sen. Grace Poe whom he called as too zealous (atribida).

During the DoTr budget presentation before the House Committee on Appropriations, the Transportation chief underlined the government’s capability to implement solutions to address the traffic problem, but without the grant of special powers, measures would be slow to implement.

He also pointed out the powers to be granted to the President will not be permanent and shall not remove the oversight powers of Congress.

“So, what they are claiming about the potential of corruption is addressed by the oversight functions and powers of Congress,�? Tugade said.

“We need the extra powers for the enjoyment of the materiality of time. We believe in our project and we need the time to be able to put this in motion,�? he pointed out.

Several lawmakers also expressed support of the DoTr budget proposal.

The DoTr delegation, led by Tugade, was comprised of sectoral heads, as well as heads of attached agencies.

For the budget on infrastructure projects alone, amounting to over P108 billion, the bulk, or 98.78 percent, of the proposed budget is allotted to railway projects as a major priority of the DoTr.

DoTr officials during the hearing also requested the inclusion in the 2020 budget an additional P2.9 billion for a number of projects that were removed under the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The additional allocation will be helpful to effectively carry out essential transportation projects, such as night-rating of airports, creation of the Philippine Coast Guard Hospital, financial support for the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), and improvements in the system of the Land Transportation Office.

In appealing for an increase, Tugade said the DoTr is capable of returning to government whatever it will allocate, saying the projects of the agency generate revenue.

According to the DoTr Secretary, the funds for equipping airports with night-rated capabilities were included in the slashed amount.

Airports in Lagindingan, Virac, Ormoc and Antique were targeted for night rating under the DoTr scheme.

Equipping airports with night-rating capabilities will allow facilities to accommodate flights even after sunset and targets the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“If we are after mobility and connectivity through airports and if we consider the element of security and improving the tourism sector, priority should be given to their development,�? he said.

DoTr Undersecretary for Finance Garry Guzman added that also included in the “wish list�? of the agency is its projects for maritime, aviation and road sector projects.

He said the funding for the PUVMP and the Interagency Council for Traffic were also not approved by the DBM.

Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe of Zamboanga has asked the DBM to review the priority projects of the DoTr and explain in writing why funds for priority projects were excluded in the NEP.

The DoTr received an appropriation of P69 billion in the 2019 General Appropriations Act.