MANILA -- Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito on Friday called for intensified efforts to revive the Philippine National Railways (PNR) lines in the northern and southern parts of the country.
In a statement, Ejercito stressed the need to modernize the Philippine railways as key to economic growth.
“Only an efficient, reliable, cost-effective, environment-friendly and modern railway system, which moves people and goods faster, can be the catalyst for economic growth,” he said, noting that he has been pushing for railway modernization since he was a congressman in the 15th Congress.
Ejercito noted that the Philippines is lagging behind in infrastructure development, particularly in the aspect of mass transport system. He earlier proposed that the railway system revival can be done in partnership with Japanese companies.
Although costly, he said a modern, efficient railway system can provide substantial gains in the economy and can significantly relieve congestion in various areas of the country, especially in major business districts.
“The railway system could serve as the backbone of our economy. It will create growth nodes and spread out development across the countryside,” he said.
“I believe there is no other way than the railway system that we could address the traffic congestion in Manila and other key urban cities,” he added. (PNA)
