PHILIPPINE STAR EDITORIAL: DAUNTING TASK
MANILA, JUNE 2, 2011 (PHILSTAR) Whatever the circumstances regarding the resignation of Jose de Jesus, the next secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications will have a lot on his or her plate. Some of the country's biggest problems are under this department. The issues involved are so broad business groups want transportation separated from communications and a new department created so the government can give each sector more attention.
Transportation alone has several major components, all posing challenges in terms of infrastructure facilities, safety and regulation. In air transportation, the government is pursuing the quick settlement of the dispute over NAIA-3, which most foreign carriers are waiting for, so the third terminal can be fully operational soon. Even with the full operation of NAIA-3, the country still needs to expand and modernize its airport capacity. Complaints of foreign airlines about matters such as carrier fees must be addressed, and labor issues at the NAIA must be settled. The nation needs to improve its aviation safety category so local carriers can fly to more destinations overseas.
In maritime transportation, port development also needs to be boosted nationwide. Safety rules need to be strictly enforced if we don't want to see another deadly ship collision or sinking. The rainy season heralds the start of maritime disasters.
The DOTC also has a role to play in minimizing deadly accidents in land transportation, especially those involving buses. Within the Land Transportation Office, those in cahoots with carjacking rings need to be ferreted out and punished. Overhead railways need to be expanded in Metro Manila and other urban centers, while modern railways must be developed.
De Jesus tendered his resignation at the height of a dispute among the major players in the telecommunications industry. Many Filipinos already enjoy world-class information and telecommunications services. The challenge for the government is to make these services universally accessible. There are areas that still lack phone services, and too many Filipinos who are computer-illiterate. In the Information Age, the nation cannot afford to be left behind, or allow the underprivileged segment of its population to be left behind.
All these tasks fall on the shoulders of the DOTC chief. The challenges are daunting and President Aquino must pick an exceptionally competent person for the job.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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