Senator JV Ejercito underscored the relevance of a modern railway system to the economic growth of the country, saying that “only an efficient, reliable, cost-effective, environment-friendly and modern railway system which moves people and goods faster can be the catalyst for economic growth.”
Because of this, he committed to revive the existing Philippine National Railways lines both in the northern and southern parts of the country.
The reelectionist senator has been very vocal about his vision of having a modern, efficient railway system for the country even when he was the Representative of San Juan City in the 15th Congress.
“I’m the only one (who is pushing for the railway system’s revival), since, I was still a member of the House of Representatives representing San Juan, Manila,” he said.
“And we realize the potential of our railway system as an alternative transport system, particularly in the remote provinces, in Southern Luzon,” he added.
Ejercito said the railway system could serve as the backbone of the country ’s economy. He said it will create growth nodes and spread out development across the archipelago.
He noted that the country is lagging for at least 15 to 20 years behind in terms of infrastructure development which includes the mass transport system.
While the construction of an efficient network of railway system will definitely cost the government a lot of money and investment, he, however, said the returns to the economy will be enormous.
Ejercito said that apart from the economic benefits, a modern railway could also significantly help in decongesting traffic in the various areas of the country especially in the major business districts.
“I believe there is no other way than the railway system that we could address the traffic congestion in Manila and other key urban cities,” he said.
The senator added that he already laid out initial plans for the restoration of the railway system with Japanese companies as a potential partner for the project.