Thus, the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement reacted to reports of China proposing to Duterte to build “in two years” a railway system from Metro Manila to the Clark Freeport Zone.
“If Duterte is serious and sincere in his advocacy to develop the countryside, then he should opt for the Clark-Laoag railway system instead,” said Cruz. “This will engage Central and Northern Luzon, including the Cordilleras, in greater inter-trade and travel opportunities, thereby contributing to the decongestion of Metro Manila.”
The Clark-Manila line, Cruz said, will “only push more concentration on the metropolis to the continuing neglect of the countrysides.”
“In Manila, only Chinese taipans are benefitting and the gains do not trickle down to the rest of the Filipino people especially the poor,” Cruz said. “Progress should be inclusive.”
By the same token, Cruz said, the option advanced by Duterte to develop a railway system to the Bicol region from Tutuban in Manila is also good for the people.
Cruz also said Duterte’s plan of holding office in Davao and going to Malacañang only two days a week is a good option because that will contribute to the development of Mindanao and the decongestion of Metro Manila.
The PGKM chair lamented that the Clark airport was “never developed by the Aquino administration because they were afraid that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila will be overshadowed by its development with several runways that are longer and wider and plenty of space to build better infrastructures.”
The PGKM has been advocating for the “full operationalization” of the Calrk International Airport as premier international gateway since the immediate aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions in 1991.
