Senatorial bets bat for efficient public transport, quota on cars to solve traffic problem

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — Three candidates vying for a Senate seat offer their suggestions to improve the country's chronic traffic problem, including building a trans-national railway system and putting a cap on vehicle purchases.

"Who among us really want to buy a car if our public transport system is efficient?" said disability rights advocate Carmen Zubiaga on CNN Philippines' Senatorial Forum on Sunday.

Businessman Ding Diaz pushed further, proposing a trans-national railway that would reach far-flung destinations.

Lawyer and doctor Leo Olarte said he will file a measure ensuring the construction of well-maintained railways that would serve critical areas and locations.

"Halimbawa ikaw ay pupunta sa airport. Kailangan ang trains natin mayroong track na pupunta doon sa airport. O halimbawa pupunta doon sa ating seaport, pupunta doon sa business center, para 'yung ating mga kababayan sasakay na lang ng train," said Olarte.

[Translation: For example, you need to go to the airport. There should be a train track going there, or even to seaports or business centers so the public can just ride the trains.]

Zubiaga also pressed to limit the importation and production of cars, a suggestion Diaz agreed with.

"Kailangan po talaga na medyo ma-control natin by way of legislation 'yung pagbili ng mga sasakyan, mga private vehicles," said Diaz.

[Translation: We really need to control, by way of legislation, the sale of cars, the private vehicles.]