Let’s admit it. Public transportation in Metro Manila, and in the country in general, needs to be improved, which some may consider a total understatement. Not taking into consideration the problems with mass rail transportation (looking at you, Line 3), we are all too familiar the sight of people hanging by the entry rear of the jeepney, especially during rush hour, or the packed buses where passengers don’t have any space to wiggle. Then there is also the problem of pollution some of these vehicles emit thanks to poor fuel consumption, vehicles visibly suffering wear and tear but are still plying the roads. All these things compound the already very,…
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Federalism and Metro Manila – Part 2
Previously, we have discussed the matter of federalism and how it can help address the issue of congestion in Metro Manila for the region to achieve a more meaningful development. But as was pointed out last time, decongestion is just part of the equation to achieve this goal of a meaningful development. The other part of the equation is equally important, and that is governance. A metropolis of 17 kingdoms Metro Manila, sadly, presently suffers from an ill-conceived system of government that has often prevented measures that would have enabled meaningful development for the metropolis. The thing is, Metro Manila today is nothing more than a set of 17 little…
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Federalism and Metro Manila – Part 1
In the coming weeks and months, the discussions to amend the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines will go full force. These amendments, if passed by the constituent assembly and ratified by the people, will mean a radical transformation of the way things are being run in the country. One of these key amendments is the shift from a unitary form of government to a federal form of government. This means that the traditional highly-centralized powers based in Metro Manila will be devolved as the different regions of the country will have more say with regards to their respective development. With that said, the question being asked is what and how…
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On The “Erich Billboard” Stunt
It has only been less than a week since July started but it seems there is one big issue that has pretty much defined this month so far. Yup, we’re talking about that “interesting” billboard that popped up in the Manila skyline recently. The billboard, located at the corner of Claro M. Recto Avenue and Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) Avenue, had an “interesting” premise. An ambitious, even crazy one, some might say. It was depicting a faceless guy holding one of those boxes that would usually contain a ring or necklace but instead contained a coffee bean in this case. Along with it was a message addressed to actress Erich…
