Could Mayor Abby's 'hire local' plan ease MM traffic woes?

Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay is pushing for incentives for companies that hire local residents, saying it would create jobs, strengthen local economies, and help ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion.

Binay emphasized that the policy would particularly benefit areas like San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and other so-called "bedroom communities" where many residents commute daily to work in Metro Manila.

“Such a policy would create more jobs and increase local economic activity in so-called bedroom communities and address traffic and congestion concerns in Metro Manila” Binay said in a statement.

During a campaign stop for the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas in San Jose del Monte, Binay laid out her vision for incentivizing companies to provide more job opportunities within local communities.

"If there are jobs available here, they won’t have to be part of the traffic. If they have jobs here, they won’t need to leave San Jose del Monte anymore," she said in Filipino.

She added that businesses should be encouraged to set up operations in these areas while also being incentivized to prioritize hiring local residents.