A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority enforcer applies a sticker that allows trucking firms to transport shipping containers out of the Port of Manila to their respective warehouses on a 24-hour basis until Sept. 15.EDD GUMBAN
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/09/09/1367038/gridlocks-during-apec-summit-worry-dfa
MANILA, Philippines - Traffic congestion in Metro Manila, which has worsened in recent days and even extended to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), is worrying the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“I think this is a major challenge for us during the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit in November next year, your honors. We should address this issue now,” Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario yesterday told the House of Representatives appropriations committee chaired by Davao City Rep. Isidro Ungab.
Del Rosario was responding to questions raised by Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, a member of the House minority bloc.
Albano said it would be embarrassing for the country if APEC leaders and delegates were caught in monstrous traffic jams like the congestion that stalled traffic for hours along a nine-kilometer stretch of NLEX and many parts of Caloocan City, Quezon City and Manila last Friday.
He said the government has to untangle traffic congestion before the APEC summit.
“Solving this problem will require the cooperation of every concerned state agency and local government unit,” he said.
Responding to Albano, Del Rosario said the department expects about 7,000 foreign visitors to be accommodated in Metro Manila during the summit, though some meetings would be held in Cebu, Legazpi City in Albay, Boracay, Iloilo City, and Clark in Pampanga.
“Does that mean an additional 7,000 vehicles for our visitors?” the Isabela lawmaker asked.
“Yes, your honor, at least 7,000 vehicles,” the DFA chief answered. He did not say how the traffic congestion issued would be addressed during the event.
He said APEC leaders and delegates would all be billeted in Metro Manila hotels.
“Why not accommodate them in Subic, where there is no traffic and where APEC leaders met not too long ago?” Albano asked.
“Because there are no hotels for 7,000 guests in Subic,” Del Rosario said.
Albano also inquired about defects in the e-passports that the DFA has issued to many applicants.
Del Rosario admitted that there was a “bonding problem” with some e-passports.
“We have addressed this your honor. We have traced the passports affected and replaced them at no cost to their holders,” he said.
Albano suggested that the DFA should continue finding ways of making Filipino passports more durable.
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