Senators should take public transport once a week —Win Gatchalian

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Friday senators should experience commuting via public transportation at least once a week to better understand the situation faced by commuters.

“That's the only way we will feel and see the needs of our constituents. In fact, dapat kaming mga senador gawin rin namin 'yun to be honest about it,” he said.

(That's the only way we will feel and see the needs of our constituents. In fact, we senators should do the same to be honest about it.)

Gatchalian made the statement during the Senate hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposed 2027 budget.

He asked Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez if the agency’s policy requiring top management to commute once a week is still being implemented. Lopez said he continues to follow the policy.

“Hindi ko pa po binabawi. Ginagawa ko pa rin po. That's once a week...As a matter of fact, we just don't publish it po,” Lopez said.

(I haven't taken it back yet. I'm still doing it. That's once a week...As a matter of fact, we just don't publish it.)

“But to be honest, hindi ko alam kung ginagawa po ng aking mga kasamahan. That's something I cannot check anymore. Pero at least po ginagawa. I have to ask them,” he added.

(But to be honest, I don't know if my colleagues are doing it. That's something I cannot check anymore. But at least it's being done. I have to ask them.)

Gatchalian praised the practice that allows government officials to personally see and experience the challenges faced by commuters.

For Gatchalian, the practice is inspiring.

“I would encourage you and your top management to continue that policy para lang makita natin 'yung totoong situation ng public transportation sector natin. Ako, na-inspire ako doon to be honest about it kasi nakita ko 'yung puso ninyo para sa mga commuters natin. Importante rin 'yun,” he said.

(I would encourage you and your top management to continue that policy just so we can see the real situation of our public transportation sector. I was inspired to be honest about it because I saw your heart for our commuters. That's important too.)

“Hindi naman kailangan mag-Facebook o mag-live o ano.Hindi naman kailangang ganun eh. I think part of the experience and part of the job 'yun. So, sana mag-guilty 'yung mga...nagpaparinig ako. Hindi kayo tine-check ni Secretary pero mag-guilty na lang kayo,” he added.

(You don't have to go on Facebook or go live or anything. You don't have to do that. I think that's part of the experience and part of the job. So, I hope those who are listening to me will feel guilty. The Secretary is not checking you, but you should feel guilty.)

In September last year, Lopez ordered the agency's road and rail officials to take public transportation once a week to better understand the concerns of commuters.

The memorandum aims to implement effective transportation projects and programs, as these officials will experience what daily commuters have to deal with.—AOL, GMA News