Pinoys on bullet train plan: Improve MRT, LRT first

MANILA, Philippines -Some Filipino netizens want the government to improve and maintain existing projects first before pushing through with plans to construct a rapid train system.

Reacting to the story "Manila-Clark bullet train pushed," netizens also said that while they wish the country has its own high-speed transport system, the proposal is a "big joke" and may only be another press release.

They want to build a rapid bullet train to service Manila-Clark. Oh wow, they haven't even solved the deteriorating MRT-LRT in Manila.

— Cesar M de los Reyes (@Tito_Ces) January 6, 2014

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) line to Bicol can also be improved first before pursuing another herculean transportation work, said Facebook user Jun Rivero.

Bonjet Jimeno also have a counter proposal:

Upgrade the present Metro Train System first including facilities, more cars, efficient staff, etc kasi not all commuters can afford the bullet train fees kung matuloy man. The idea is commendable kung talagang ang objective is "for the good and convenience of the public." Pero kung naghahanap lang ng pagkakakitaan, the transport system will definitely fail. Nandyan sasabihin walang funds to maintain the cars, etc. But still, looking forward magkaroon din tayo ng bullet train. Why not? Just like in Korea and Japan. Galing ng rapid transit system nila. Ang linis linis ng mga cars.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado had said that the Regional Development Council would either push for the construction of a bullet train system or the revival  ofthe mothballed North Luzon Railways (North Rail) project connecting Metro Manila and Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

Alvarado added that the country's first bullet train would traverse through Central Luzon, boosting the local economy.

Ernesto Mateo blamed the Aquino administration for shelving the North Rail development under the Arroyo government.

"It has long been a project of GMA to have a train from Manila to Clark. Pinatigil (ito) ni P-Noy. Nagbalikan tuloy ang mga informal settlers sa site ... Walang continuity, basta nangamoy Gloria tigil kay P-Noy," Mateo said in a Facebook comment.

The Department of Transportation had said that the North Rail project was beset by financial woes even as government has been re-negotiating the $500-million deal under Aquino's watch.

Twitter user B. Tiangco (@titaniumrunner) commented that like many government projects, he expects the bullet train proposal to be shelved anew.

"I'm betting ... I'll be a grandfather... before this even becomes a reality," he said on his Twitter account.

Other netizens, meanwhile, hailed the private sector for its willingness to work with government. They also said the train system project is a sign of a growing economy.

"Go ahead. Ang umangal, ipapa-salvage!" said Janvic Venturina.

Airene Nortez encouraged fellow Filipinos to be hopeful. "Be positive, guys!" she said.