Bosita detests proposed removal of EDSA bus lane

Senatorial aspirant and 1-Rider party-list Representative Bonifacio Bosita on Thursday expressed disapproval of the suggestion to remove the EDSA busway, saying there are other ways to solve the traffic woes in Metro Manila.

Bosita, who advocates for road and riders’ safety, was reacting to the statement of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes that the government is considering the removal of bus lane along EDSA, if the MRT’s carrying capacity does not improve.

“Hindi naman tayo sumasang-ayon na tanggalin na totally. Siguro ‘yung concrete barriers [ang dapat tanggalin] dahil nagiging sanhi din ito ng aksidente,” the incumbent solon said on Super Radyo dzBB’s “Ikaw na Ba? The Senatorial Interviews.”

(I don’t agree that the EDSA busway should be totally removed. What should be removed are the concrete barriers because they cause accidents.)

“At tama lamang siguro para ma-identify ‘yung bus lanes, 'yung solid yellow line, sapat na 'yun eh. Bakit po? Kapag nakita natin 'yung concrete barriers, parang sinasabi natin na tayong mga Pilipinong motorista, matigas ang ulo... Ako ay hindi naniniwala do’n,” he added.

(To identify the bus lanes, we should put a solid yellow line instead. Why? Because when we put up concrete barriers, it’s like saying that Filipino motorists are headstrong. I don't believe that.)

Bosita also said that the enforcement against erring motorists using the bus lane should be stricter, and that traffic enforcers should be disciplined and not cater to the rich and powerful.

“Siguro mag-usap tayo with the MMDA personnel kung paano huhulihin ‘yan mga tumatakas na ‘yan. Hindi mahirap ‘yan eh, ang kailangan ay disiplinahin muna ‘yung kanilang enforcers,” he said.

(We should talk with the MMDA personnel about how to catch those motorists in the busway. That is not difficult, what is needed is to discipline their enforcers first.)

He also suggested putting up an exclusive motorcycle lane on EDSA for riders. He also emphasized the need to educate motorists about traffic rules when applying for driver's licenses, lamenting the poor system of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

To ease the traffic in Metro Manila, Bosita also backed the proposal to adjust the working hours of national government agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Artes earlier said that they will recommend to the Office of the President the adjustment of working hours of government employees from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., meanwhile, said the proposal is being studied, adding that it should be “practical” for commuters.

Other issues

Aside from traffic issues, Bosita also shared his position on other pressing topics:

• Anti-political dynasty law: In favor
• Publicizing SALNs: In favor
• Divorce: Against
• Legalization of jueteng: Against
• Legalization of medical marijuana: Should be regulated
• Oplan Tokhang-like drug war: Oplan Tokhang is good, but the implementation is wrong
• Death penalty for heinous crimes and drug trafficking: Against because the country still has a problem on criminal justice system
• Distribution of all government cash assistance or ayuda: Against because only a few benefit from it
• Amending the Constitution: In favor, but only for economic provisions

Bosita also said that he supports the P200 across the board legislated wage increase.

“Actually, suportado natin 'yan... Totoo naman po talagang kaawa-awa ang ating mga kababayan na napakababa ng sweldo,” he said.

(Actually, I support that. It's true that our countrymen are pitiful because they suffer from very low wages.)

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading the bill seeking a P200 increase of the daily wage of workers in the private sector, regardless of their employment status.

Several business groups, however, have expressed concern over the proposed wage increase, warning of its potential impact on costs and competitiveness.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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