Villar seeks assurance from MMDA and DPWH that monstrous traffic jams will not jack up prices of food products

Senator Cynthia Villar (NP) sought an assurance from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that the construction of the Skyway Stage 3 project as well as other major roadworks will not hamper the flow of food products from the provinces into Metro Manila thus driving up prices of basic goods.

Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture committee, noted that the MMDA website does not have any details regarding traffic rerouting schemes and a detailed schedule of road projects to be undertaken this month and onwards. Most of the information on the said website were outdated, the senator said, hardly inspiring confidence in the preparedness of the traffic management agency.

"We need a whole-of-government approach in addressing the possible collateral damages caused by an aggravated traffic problem because of all these simultaneous roadworks. This shouldn't be left to the MMDA alone, since even trucks bringing in fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from the provinces would be affected," the lady senator pointed out.

Villar said she intends to ask the MMDA and the DPWH to brief top producers of meat, vegetables, fish, and other basic food commodities since their incomes can be affected by a slowdown in Metro Manila traffic. She asked that both agencies also consult with the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry to ensure price stability and continuous flow of food products within and from outside Metro Manila.

Two major road projects will commence this month with one of them - a six-lane expressway connecting South Luzon Expressway from Buendia in Makati to North Luzon Expressway on Balintawak in Quezon City known as Skyway Stage 3 - scheduled to begin at 10 pm tonight.

The other major road project will connect the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase 2 of the DPWH to the seaside Entertainment City.

"We welcome all these new projects as signs of progress but the rights of consumers and commuters must be equally protected. All the participating government agencies have a responsibility to ensure that none of these roadworks will lead to higher food prices and tremendous loss of incomes on the part of our agri-business owners and retail outlets," Villar said.