Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The political landscape in the Philippines has been tumultuous, with the recent impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte capturing national attention. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte on charges including alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his family, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as accusations of corruption and misuse of public funds.
This move has intensified the political rift between Duterte and President Marcos, who had previously signaled disinterest in pursuing impeachment despite their falling-out. The impeachment complaint garnered support from over 215 legislators, including the president's son, underscoring the depth of the division.
In the aftermath, several pressing questions have emerged:
Who initiated the impeachment complaint? The identity of the first signatory remains a topic of public interest.
Who will serve as the trial prosecutors? The selection of prosecutors for the impending Senate trial is underway.
What are the implications if Sara Duterte resigns? A resignation could alter the course of the impeachment proceedings and affect the line of succession.
Why are prosecutors seeking access to the Vice President's bank records? Investigators aim to examine these records to substantiate allegations of corruption and fund misuse.
In the event of impeachment, who succeeds the Vice President? The line of succession is a critical consideration, with the Senate President next in line according to the Philippine Constitution.
Adding to the Vice President's legal challenges, the National Bureau of Investigation has recommended filing criminal charges against her for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Marcos and other officials. These charges include inciting to sedition and grave threats.
As the nation approaches the May midterm elections, the political climate is charged. The impeachment trial is set to commence in the Senate in June, with potential outcomes including Duterte's removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding public positions. This development could significantly impact her anticipated presidential bid in 2028.
Amidst the political upheaval, everyday concerns continue to affect Filipinos, particularly in the realm of public transportation.
Public Transportation Challenges
Despite numerous administrations since the post-EDSA revolution, the Philippines continues to grapple with persistent public transportation issues. Commuters, including students, the elderly, and workers, often start their days in the early hours to reach their destinations on time—a scenario that was unimaginable decades ago.
In 2023, Metro Manila was reported to have the world's worst traffic, with an average travel time of 25 minutes and 30 seconds to cover 10 kilometers. The situation worsened in 2024, as Davao City surpassed Manila, recording an average of 28 minutes and 17 seconds for the same distance. Manila's travel time also increased to 27 minutes and 18 seconds, resulting in approximately 103 hours lost per year during rush hours, highlighting a significant loss in productivity.
Commuters frequently face long queues at bus carousels and MRT stations, as well as challenges posed by steep footbridges.
Footbridge Safety Concerns
Metro Manila is dotted with at least 138 footbridges, constructed with a budget of P231.3 million from 2019 to 2023. These structures, intended to protect pedestrians, have come under scrutiny following tragic incidents.
In January, 75-year-old George Fernandez, who relied on a walking stick, slipped on the stairs of a footbridge along Julia Vargas Avenue in Ortigas due to a malfunctioning escalator. He suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage, raising concerns about the safety and accessibility of these pedestrian infrastructures.
The Future of the EDSA Bus Carousel
The EDSA Bus Carousel, a bus rapid transit system running along EDSA, has been a topic of debate. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suggested the possibility of discontinuing the service, citing overlapping routes with the MRT-3.
However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that in 2024, the EDSA Bus Carousel served approximately 63 million commuters, averaging about 177,000 passengers daily. The service operates 24/7, reducing travel time from Monumento in Caloocan City to PITX in Parañaque City to about half the usual three-hour duration.
Despite the MMDA's position, the DOTr has scheduled bidding for the EDSA Bus Carousel to commence in 2025, indicating plans for its continuation and potential expansion.
Metro Manila Subway Project
The Metro Manila Subway, heralded as the "project of the century," is another significant transportation initiative. Spanning 33 kilometers from Valenzuela in the north to Parañaque in the south, the project was targeted for completion in 2029.
With the recent appointment of Transport Secretary Vince Dizon, following Jaime Bautista's resignation due to health reasons, there is anticipation regarding updates on the project's progress and any potential adjustments to its timeline.
As the nation navigates political uncertainties, the focus on improving public transportation remains a critical concern for the everyday Filipino, underscoring the need for effective governance that addresses both political stability and essential public services.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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