Solon urges speedy modernization of PNR

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Tuesday urged President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to speed up the modernization of the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) in the Bicol region to help residents cushion the effects of surging fuel prices. In filing House Resolution No. 700, Sorsogon Rep. G. Solis said the extension from Manila to Legazpi City and the construction of the Sorsogon extension line would provide the residents an effective, reliable and affordable transport system. "This resolution shall serve as a cost-effective measure in view of the cost of transportation to the province which has almost doubled because of the spiraling cost of fuel," Solis said in a statement. He emphasized that this would further enhance growth and development of the region by improving the transport services of various industrial products and the mobility of residents in the region. Solis added that "there is a great need to restore, rehabilitate and modernize the existing lines of the Philippine National Railways" since the present railway system has been one of the most neglected areas serviced by government with dilapidated cars, rusting rails and squatters living along the railway lines. Three existing railways in Luzon are currently under rehabilitation. These are: the Northrail-Southrail stretch from Caloocan to Calamba City, Laguna; the Southrail Project Phase 1-A from Calamba, Laguna to Lucena City, Quezon; and Southrail Project Phase 1-B from Lucena City, Quezon to Legazpi City, Albay. Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General Cerge Remonde has said Phase 1-A of the Southrail Project is set to be completed in December 2009. The Northrail from Caloocan to Clark and the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Phases 1 and 2 will be finished in 2010. Remonde said that when the projects are completed, the provinces Bulacan, and Pampanga in the north, and Laguna, Quezon and Bicol in the south will be easily accessible to anyone from Metro Manila via the Northrail and its interconnections with the Southrail and LRT and MRT systems. "These priority railway projects will cut travel time, reduce travel and transport cost, abate traffic and air pollution, attract investments and stimulate overall countryside growth," Remonde said. - GMANews.TV