Although President Duterte’s vision of a five-minute Cubao-Makati commute won’t likely happen by the end of this year like he promised, Malacañang still believes that it’s still doable.
The STAR reported that Presidential Spokesperson Salvado Panelo said Duterte’s pronouncement depends on some factors to make it possible.
“If it’s not done this year, it does not mean that it won’t happen before the end of the President’s term,” Panelo said. “Hanggang may buhay, may pag-asa (As long as there’s life, there is hope).”
Duterte earlier vowed that travel time from Cubao in Quezon City to Makati would be reduced to five minutes. The current average travel time between the two points is less than an hour.
Last March, the President expressed optimism that the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila would ease because of the government’s infrastructure projects.
“Give me until June, July or the latest September. From Cubao to Makati, we’ll give you a ride in five minutes,” Duterte had said.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar earlier said that the administration is working to fulfill Duterte’s promise. However, Villar admitted that it may not happen before the end of 2019.
Villar said motorists and commuters would experience improvements once the government’s “Build, Build, Build” projects are completed.
