Senators should take public transport once a week to feel commuters' plight – Gatchalian

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday proposed that senators should take public transportation at least once a week to better understand the plight of commuters. He stated that this is the best way for them to feel and see the needs of their constituents. The statement was made during a Senate hearing on the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposed 2027 budget. Gatchalian asked Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez if the agency’s policy requiring top management to commute once a week is still being implemented. Lopez affirmed that he continues to follow the policy, practicing weekly commutes via public transport though not publicly announced. He added, however, that he cannot verify if all his subordinates are doing the same. Gatchalian praised the practice, saying it allows government officials to directly experience the challenges faced by commuters and that he was inspired by it. He encouraged Lopez and his top management to continue the policy, noting it would allow them to see the real situation of the public transportation sector. He also pointed out that public announcements or live streams are unnecessary, as this is part of the job, and urged those not complying to "feel guilty." In September last year, Lopez had ordered the agency's road and rail officials to take public transportation once a week to better understand commuter concerns. The directive aimed to implement effective transportation projects and programs by having officials share the daily experiences of commuters. Source: GMA News Philippines