PASAY CITY -- Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has expressed his support for the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation for 2023 and has urged the agency to continue demonstrating "malasakit" for commuters and travelers by assisting them in the provision of safe and effective public transportation services.

During the plenary deliberations on the proposed budget of the DOTr on Wednesday, November 16, Go also cited experiences of Filipinos regarding delayed flights and requested the DOTr to look out for the safety of those in similar situations.

“I would like to express my full support for the passage of the proposed budget of the Department of Transportation and its attached agencies,” said Go.

“Huwag ninyo lang kalimutan ‘yung malasakit (sa mga pasahero) ha, ‘pag may mga delays. Alam natin na napakalaki po ng papel na ginagampanan ng DOTr sa ating economic growth at sa pagsisiguro na ang ating mga kababayan ay makakarating ng ligtas sa kanilang mga tahanan, paaralan at trabaho,” he added.

As the economy gradually reopens and recovers, Go has placed a strong emphasis on the significant role that the DOTr plays in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of transportation throughout the country and ensuring that people arrive at their destinations safely.

“Ngayon po na recovering na ang ating ekonomiya, nagbabalik na ang ating mga workers sa kanilang mga trabaho, nagbabalikan na rin po ang ating mga estudyante sa mga paaralan, at may pagluwag na rin po sa mga health restrictions, napakalaki po ng adjustment at napakabigat po ng responsibilidad ng DOTr upang masiguro na makakasakay po ng walang bahala ang ating mga kababayan sa ating mga public vehicles,” he said.

In addition, Go appealed for the Libreng Sakay initiative to be fully funded. This service provides free bus rides for commuters along the EDSA Busway.

“I also appeal to fully fund the Libreng Sakay program. Malaking tulong ang libreng sakay sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa panahon ngayon na nagtataasan po ang pamasahe,” said Go.

Likewise, Go emphasized the importance of allocating funds for the Pantawid Pasada program to assist public transportation drivers who are particularly hard hit by the increase in oil prices.

“Isa po ito sa mga programa na tinutukan ng Duterte Administration para maibsan ang pasanin ng ating mga PUV drivers,” he said.

“Alam nyo po, Mr. President, bawat piso mahalaga sa mga ordinaryong komyuter at drayber. Sa mga mayayaman naman po, maaaring balewala po ito, pero sa ordinaryong mamamayan, bawat piso na matipid, malaking tulong na po iyon,” he added.

Aside from this, Go appealed to the DOTR to ensure the continued implementation of the Mindanao Railway System. The railway system is one of the priority projects of the past administration and is part of the Build Build Build program.

“Matagal na po itong hinihintay ng mga kababayan natin sa Mindanao. To spur economic development in other regions, we must also invest and improve the transportation in the countryside. Sana patuloy itong maging prayoridad po ng DOTR,” urged Go.

During the hearing, Go also expressed his support for the budgets of DOTr’s attached agencies which have crucial roles to play in ensuring safe and efficient public transport in the country, according to the senator.

Go cited that he particularly pushed for additional budget for the PNR in the DOTr’s current 2022 budget. He also earlier successfully appealed for the inclusion of additional budget in 2022 for the acquisition of modern equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Kung kaya natin madagdagan pa ang budget ng mga ahensya ng DOTR, gawin po natin,” he said. (OSBG)