The government already identified temporary relocation sites for many informal settlers along Pasig River, who will be affected by planned reconstruction projects around the area to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
“There is a plan already. We have identified what we call ‘transition areas,’ where we will set up temporary lodging (facilities) for these settlers while their (permanent) housing (units) are being constructed,” President Marcos said Tuesday in an interview aired over 24 Oras.
Mr. Marcos emphasized the need for an effective public transportation system to lessen congestion on public roads and highways. Part of his plan is to use the maritime highway of Pasig River through its ferry service as an alternative mode of transportation.
Asked about his take on heavy traffic in Metro Manila, the President admitted that even he feels embarrassed at times. He said the traffic situation is unavoidable, so he tries not to cause it as much as possible. This explains his reason for traveling by helicopter.
“You cannot avoid traffic. Even if you have a helicopter, if you’re also just within the city, you don’t take the helicopter. And the other thing I try to avoid is to cause traffic,” he said.
“Sometimes it’s embarrassing, because when I go out, everybody has to stop… So, I try, I try as little as possible to cause traffic. And then, of course, yes, I’m trying to maximize my time,” Mr. Marcos added.