Benhur Abalos assumes MMDA chair post, vows continuity

Former Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. on Tuesday vowed "continuity" in the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as he assumed leadership of the agency.

“There will be continuity here, I promise you that," Abalos said during the Laging Handa public briefing, adding he is now reviewing the plans and projects of the MMDA.

“Of course, right now, rini-review ko lahat ng mga projects at mga plano. Humingi ako ng report sa bawat isa,” he said.

“Isa lang ang mapapangako ko, I will try and do all my best para gumanda po ang serbisyo dito sa Kamaynilaan ng MMDA.”

Asked about a report that the Philippines has the worst traffic in Southeast Asia and ninth worst in the world, Abalos pointed to growing population and increasing number of vehicles as causes of the problem.

He said the improvement in technology, roads, and mass transport will ease the traffic problem.

Based on the Traffic Index by Country 2020 Mid-Year report of global database Numbeo, the Philippines ranked next to India, Peru, Iran, Egypt, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Nigeria as countries with the worst traffic in the world.

For now, Abalos said MMDA is working on improving the flow of bus lanes and opening U-turn slots.

Abalos said he is mulling to move the lane for motorcycles to the right side of the road and designate bike lanes once the traffic in Metro Manila improves.

When the problems in traffic and flooding are already eased, Abalos said he wants to exert efforts to put more plants in Metro Manila.

Abalos replaced former MMDA chairman Danilo "Danny" Lim, who passed away last week, days after he announced that he contracted COVID-19. —KBK, GMA News