More readers on traffic, RH Law

The guy who started all the talk about improving traffic along EDSA, Dr. Ron Benitez M.D., sent a rejoinder after reading some of the reactions and contributions sent by other readers on the subject. Any idea, of course, needs to be discussed, but one part of his letter still stands out, which follows:

“Thank you very much for sharing my insights in your widely-read column.

“I hope that we will get feedback, through your column, from concerned government agencies, especially MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority), DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), and LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), and likewise DOH (Department of Health) to do a simple study on this idea of mine, and hope that people will indeed take notice.”

“It’s worth a try, nothing is to be lost, and everything to be gained. I have nothing further to request or ask, but only offer you my gratitude and prayers for good health and safety. More power to your column.”

Perhaps our concerned government agencies may not necessarily focus on our reader’s suggestion alone, but also take into consideration the outpouring from other citizens who took time to share their comments. The important point here is to come up with actions.

Other ideas

Another reader, Robert Esguerra, who describes himself as a concerned citizen, sent his own thoughts on how to bring some semblance of order to Metro Manila’s chaotic traffic situation. He says:

“I do not agree with the suggestion of Dr. Ron Benitez about brand-coding scheme. It will only make the situation worst especially for the working class group. Millions of people will be affected because they will have to wait for a ride before they can go to the office. Imagine how it will affect their work that will definitely result in billions of losses not only for the company they’re working in but also to the whole country as well.

“The only permanent solution to the EDSA traffic is to make a continuous fly-over like the one in SLEX (South Luzon Expressway). The DOTC and DPWH will have to select the entry and exit points along EDSA.

“Another option is to build an underground highway or subway from Balintawak all the way to MOA and the future Entertainment City where billions of dollars are being invested to attract more tourists.

“We cannot stop people from buying cars since they have the money to spend in the first place. It is a sign that the economy is really moving forward. It is now up to the government to build more highways and flyovers to accommodate thousands of cars that will be added in the biggest car park in Metro Manila – EDSA!

“This is the best time to build the first subway in the Philippines. Attention DPWH and DOTC! You can still include this project in PPP and bid it immediately. I hope Metro Manilans will not get mad during the construction of the subway since we will all benefit from it once it is built.

“In order to lessen the burden of millions of employees, the government should improve the services of MRT 3 (Metro Rail Transit 3) which is becoming too crowded. Add more coaches or replace all coaches/trains with better ones like the one being used on LRT 2 (Light Rail Transit 2). They are more comfortable, and the coaches are even wider like the one in Hong Kong. 

“MRT 3 is like taking a roller coaster ride because the company who built it wanted to reduce the cost of construction at that time. Let us all move forward and stop trying more schemes for EDSA because it will not work! Build the subway now!

Reactions on the column feature of Fr. J. Tabora SJ

We have another reader, Nathan Acha, this time sharing his sentiments with Fr. Joel Tabora S.J. who had commented in his blog on a Supreme Court order restraining the Comelec from ordering the Diocese of Bacolod to take down a contentious poster on Team Buhay and Team Patay based on the Fair Election Act (RA 9066). Here are parts of Acha’s letter.

“I totally agree with your reminders to the Catholic Church and any church group for that matter. Yes, I belong to the ‘Protestant’ group but I see some areas that have to be looked into, not just the RH [Reproductive Health Law].

“The Church has to preach salvation in Christ Jesus only, the works of the Holy Spirit via individuals, and that it should teach and demonstrate righteousness and holiness to all its members or those it evangelizes. Other than that, let the schools and other groups teach it.

“What is the stand of the Church on gambling, both legal and illegal? The Bible says it is a sin.

“How many individuals and families die every day because of ‘sin’ products? How many families are broken due to ‘sin’ products every day and every year? Worse, we simply laugh at the word ‘sin.’ Worst, we make laws to justify ‘sin.’

“Any government could be good or bad any time or era. The Church’s message and use of pulpit is the same – righteousness and holiness based on the standard of Christ. Check out who are the people going to legal and illegal gambling [houses] and regular users of ‘sin’ products. If they are convicted followers, sales of these products will dry up.”

Cowed majority

As a further comment on Fr. Tabora’s blog, another reader, Tancio de Leon, has a short comment.

“I salute you on your article about Fr. Tabora’s insights. I am sure there are many, many people in agreement with his insights (and yours). They just prefer to keep quiet for fear of inquisition. Let us just wait for the verdict of the people come election day. But of course articles like yours can help offset the fear of the cowed majority.”

Well-deserved award to SBP

Congratulations to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) headed by Manny V. Pangilinan for the well-deserved award as outstanding national sports association given by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).

The award is a clear recognition of the hard work being done by SBP officials to continuously upgrade the once-tarnished image of Philippine basketball particularly in the international sports community.

The hosting of the FIBA Asia championship is another feather in the cap of SBP. All Filipino basketball fans are hoping that the event will successfully be undertaken without any hitch. Of course, winning one of the qualifying slots for the world championship would be a most welcome bonus.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.