Heavy traffic prompts call for MMDA chief’s resignation

MANILA, Philippines – Heavy traffic in Metro Manila urged a labor group to call for the Metro Manila Development Authority chief's resignation.

Labor organization Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK) said they are seeking for MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino’s resignation due to the unbearable traffic faced by Filipino commuters every day.

In a radio interview, PSLINK President Annie Geron questioned Tolentino’s absence in the face of Metro Manila traffic problems.

Geron also cited that the MMDA leader is not fulfilling his duty to monitor and alleviate the traffic situation in Manila.

“Sobra na itong pagdurusa ng mga commuter lalo na sa mga manggagawa na kakarampot ang sinasahod babawasan pa 'pag ikaw ay nahuhuli sa trabaho,” Geron said in an interview with dzMM.

“Wala talagang nararamdaman. Mabuti pa 'yung multo nagpaparamdam 'yang si Chairman Tolentino hindi mo maramdaman kung ano ang ginagawa,” she added.

Geron said she suspects that Tolentino’s failure attend to traffic problems might be connected to his plans of running in 2016.

“Nasa period siya na umaamo na, nag-aamo na, ayaw nang isugal na siya ay magdisiplina,” Geron said as Tolentino earlier hinted on running for an unannounced post in 2016.

PSLINK also made an online petition asking for Tolentino’s resignation on Change.org where hundreds of netizens already supported the plea.

Tolentino, meanwhile, said the agency has a program to ease traffic congestion in Manila by implementing a roadmap for transport infrastructure development set to be completed by 2030.