House committee tells DOTC to review its 5-year performance

DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya (PNA)

MANILA — The chairman of the House committee on Transportation on Wednesday urged the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to review its performance at least in the last five years how it delivered the expected services to the public.

House committee on Transportation and Catanduanes Rep. Cesar V. Sarmiento asked the DOTC to submit its progress reports on the country’s transport system before the House of Representatives starts its deliberations on the 2016 proposed Php3.002-trillion national budget.

At the hearing, Sarmiento scored the DOTC for snubbing the House panel’s proposal on the betterment of the transport system.

He reminded DOTC officials that the DOTC has until Aug. 12 to submit its progress reports.

“Failure to submit progress (report) by the deadline will mean you will be remembered during the review of the budget proposals,” he said, adding, “It seems the proposals we made after conducting inquiries during the first regular session were not taken to heart.”

Sarmiento said that the panel had recommended to the Land Transportation Office to develop a more competitive driver’s license test while Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to rationalize public transport routes and review 2013 franchises.

Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit were reminded by the panel that they should implement rehabilitation projects and equipment upgrade.

Moreover, the lawmaker said that the committee also recommended to Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to comply with the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping convention standards.

The Philippine National Railways was also asked to implement and finish projects under its 2015 Php2.

4-billion budget and to the Civil Aeronautics Board to cap airline passenger fares especially for monopolized routes.

“I will not lie. Transportation is a messy thing. Yet, I am still hopeful,” the lawmaker said.

He, meanwhile, urged the DOTC to swiftly work on its “troubling” management and services before the Aquino administration ends in June next year.