Panelo: No paralysis of mass transport system, only traffic crisis

Metro Manila is experiencing a traffic crisis but not a paralysis of the mass transport system as claimed by leftist groups, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Friday.

Panelo made the statement after going through a nearly four-hour commute to Malacañang, which he did in response to the challenge of militant groups Anakbayan and Kilusang Mayo Uno for him to take public transportation.

“When you say mass transport crisis, you have to refer to there is a paralysis of the entire mass transit system,” Panelo said at a news conference.

“But there is a traffic crisis definitely and there is also a crisis in the suffering of commuters as well as motorists. Walang kaduda-duda yan.”

Panelo cited the large volume of cars that could not be accommodated by current road networks, undisciplined drivers, and inefficient traffic management system.

Panelo drew public criticism for denying on the existence of a mass transport crisis in the capital region and advising commuters to leave early to get to their destinations on time.

But the Palace official said his remark on leaving home early to commute was not insensitive.

“That was a statement, in fact, praising the creativity of Filipinos, na marunong tayong humarap sa sitwasyon. Hindi lang tayo basta mura dito, mura doon, walang ginagawa. May ginagawa tayo para sa ating mga sarili,” Panelo said.

“That’s what all of us are doing unless you don’t wake up early.”

Including Panelo's trip from Quezon City to Marikina — away from his point of destination (Malacañang), the spokesman's commute lasted a total of around 3.5 hours. But counting only from his farthest point (Marikina, at around 6 a.m.) to his destination (past 8 a.m.), it took Panelo more than two hours to commute to work.

Panelo, however, declined to say whether he will commute from Malacañang to his house. “Secret,” he said when asked. —KBK, GMA News