PHILIPPINE Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II last week unveiled a five-year P565-billion infrastructure plan, which includes development of ports in Davao, and roll-on, roll-off projects linking China with either Subic or Batangas port.
At a briefing organized by the Makati Business Club, Roxas said the plan also covers the reconfigured North Rail project; the 11.7-kilometer LRT 1 Baclaran to Cavite and LRT 2 Santolan, Pasig to Masinag, Antipolo extension rail projects; and the establishment of international airports in Puerto Princesa, Laguindigan, Misamis Oriental and Panglao, Bohol.
The controversial North Rail project will now be extended to Metro Manila (Makati) and Clark instead of the original plan of from Caloocan to Clark, Pampanga.
“We are reconfiguring this project after our productive discussion with top Chinese officials during our recent trip there with President (Benigno Aquino III),” Roxas said.
A team was also formed to look at other controversial contracts entered into by the previous administration. With this team, Roxas said he expects the legal remediation of NAIA Terminal 3 issue to proceed based on fair international standards of commercial settlement.
A public land transportation system refleeting program will also be pursued where taxis will only be allowed to ply the streets for 10 years; shuttle services, 15 years; and multi-cabs, ten years.
Roxas likewise assured a regime of maritime transport safety during his watch, through investments in satellite-based signaling systems and other radar technologies to make sea travel safer.
For air transport, Roxas said plans are under way to decongest NAIA through the reduction of corporate and air taxi flights by 50% during peak hours.
“We will construct a rapid exit taxiway to reduce runway occupancy time. We are also studying the transfer of non-commercial flights to other areas such as Sangley Point,” he said.
Several “greenfield” projects have also been lined up, including the 15km Cebu Bus Rapid Transit which will have 22 stations and three terminals.
Photo by fitri.agung
