PNoy addresses nation a year after Bangsamoro peace accord. President Benigno Aquino III delivers another national address on Friday, March 27, a year after the Philippine government signed a comprehensive peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. In his address, Aquino said he is enlisting the help of ‘citizen leaders’ to scrutinize the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Rey Baniquet
President Benigno Aquino III wants Filipinos traveling to the provinces for their Holy Week and summer vacations not just to be safe but to be convenient as well.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Saturday Aquino is concerned that the operation of toll gates may slow down traffic to the provinces.
“One of the concerns of the President was the toll gates… It was brought to the President’s attention over Christmas na imbes gumaan ang biyahe ng kababayan natin sa north, naging kalbaryo,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She said Aquino wants “syncrhonized” operations among toll operators including the North and South Luzon Expressways and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.
Such syncrhonized operations should cut down on travel time, she added.
“That was one of the President’s directives. Apart from the safety of travelers… is to make sure it remains convenient,” she said.
Vendors on Saturday started selling palaspas (palm fronds) in time for Palm Sunday, which marks the start of the Holy Week for Catholics.
For its part, the Philippine National Police issued safety tips for travelers who may need to leave their homes for the Holy Week break.
As part of the safety measures, the PNP said that as much as possible let as few people know about your vacation plans, and keep the window curtains closed.
“Ngayong summer, dagsa na naman ang ating mga kababayan na uuwi ng probinsya o darayo sa ibang lugar upang doon gugulin ang kanilang bakasyon,” the PNP public information office said in an infographic. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News
