Press Release
May 15, 2009

CONGRESSMEN SEEK REVILLA BACKING ON ROAD CONVERSION

Twenty one congressmen sought the approval of Senate Committee on Public Works Chairman Bong Revilla on their rejected proposals for the conversion of the local roads to national roads in their respective jurisdictions.

The twenty one congressmen from the National Capital Region and other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao conveyed to Revilla their intention for their proposals to be reconsidered, pointing out in general that the conversion of the local roads to national roads is vital to the further development of their localities. They submitted documents to justify their appeal.

"The committee will thoroughly evaluate their motion for reconsideration. Being a former local official, I understand their predicament and I know that the conversion will greatly benefit their constituents. If indeed justified, I will do everything to have their requests approved," assured Revilla, who conducted a public hearing this week (Wednesday, March 13) regarding the petitions.

The Lower House lawmakers who made the appeal are Representatives Ann Hofer of the 2nd District of Zamboanga Sibugay , Nur Jafaar of Tawi - Tawi, Glen A. Chong of Biliran, Antonio Cerilles of the 2nd District of Zamboanga del Sur, Mary Ann Susano of the 2nd District of Quezon City, Judy Syjuco of the 2nd District of Iloilo, Emil Ong of the 2nd District of Northern Samar, Oscar Malapitan of the 1st District of Caloocan City, George Arnaiz of the 2nd District of Negros Occidental, Jocelyn Sy - Limkaichong of the 1st District of Negros Occidental, Pryde Henry Teves of the 3rd District of Negros Occidental, Edgar M. Chatto of the 1st District of Bohol, Salvador Escudero III of the 1st District of Sorsogon, Eric Singson of the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur, Marcelino Teodoro of the 1st District of Marikina City, Cecilia Jalosjos - Carreon of the 1st District of Zamboanga Del Norte, Francisco Matugas of the 1st District of Surigao Del Norte, Monica Louise Prieto - Teodoro of the 1st District of Tarlac, Jeci Lapus of the 3rd District of Tarlac, Trinidad Apostol of the 2nd District of Leyte, Abdullah Dimaporo of the 2nd District of Lanao Del Norte, Pangalian Balindong of the 2nd District of Lanao Del Sur, Jose Yap of the 2nd District of Tarlac, and Solomon Chungalao of Ifugao.

It could be recalled that Revilla's committee conducted public hearings on the 267 House Bills for the conversion of local roads to national roads. The committee sought the technical expertise of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and these bills were referred to the planning division of the DPWH for their recommendations. Of these 267 bills, only thirteen (13) passed the Road Functional Classification Criteria of the DPWH.

"After the technical evaluation was transmitted to the committee, we notified the different authors regarding the DPWH's assessment. A number of congressmen expressed their intentions to file for a reconsideration of the findings. As committee chair, I will see to it that their requests are properly addressed," Revilla explained.

Among the proposed conversions to national roads is the Shoe Avenue in Marikina City that connects to Sumulong Highways which is vital in the delivery of goods and services from the said city to Antipolo City and Rizal Province , as well as to Pasig City and other cities in Metro Manila.

In Visayas, the Rawis- Talisay Provincial Road in Northern Samar is being pushed to be converted into a national road to link the said province to the Island Municipality of Laoang, and other towns and eventually to the Leyte-Eastern Samar-Northern Samar Circumferential Road . The conversion is expected to benefit the people of the whole Samar Island .

In Mindanao, the proposed conversion into national road of the Sanga-Sanga and Lapid-Lapid Roads in Tawi-Tawi is aimed to facilitate the agricultural produce to the capital town of Bongao where the seaport and airport are located. The conversion would economically boost Tawi-Tawi which was singled out as the poorest province in the country, based on the 2006 National Statistic Coordinating Board (NSCB) survey.

"The conversion of local roads into national roads in any part of the country is vital to the progress of a city or municipality since well-kept thoroughfares will improve trade, industry and even tourism in the area and in effect, will augment the national economy. We should open all opportunities for further development. Our LGUs lack such capacity, that's why the national government must shoulder the responsibility," Revilla pointed out.

Construction and maintenance of national roads are funded by the national government.

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