Roads for people, not cars

As Metro Manilans struggle to return to work, public transport remains inadequate and uncertain. One thing should be clear: the government should prioritize the welfare of the majority — the 88 percent of households who rely on public transport, walking or cycling. The 12 percent who own cars already travel in relative comfort and convenience, physically distanced from crowds.

For decades, private motor vehicles were prioritized on Metro Manila roads. And because roads are constantly filled with cars, there was a mistaken presumption in the government that car users were the target clientele. And so roads were planned and traffic was managed so cars could go faster. In fact, the performance indicator of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways were explicitly aimed to increase vehicle speed on urban roads.