Batangas City —SENATORIAL candidates from the administration-aligned Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas committed to pursuing large-scale infrastructure and mass transport projects aimed at easing worsening traffic congestion in Batangas, as the province continues to grow economically.
During a press conference on Saturday, the slate emphasized the urgent need to widen major roads and construct additional flyovers as short-term solutions. The candidates also underscored the importance of establishing a reliable mass transport system to complement ongoing road developments.
Former MMDA Chairman and Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos noted that planning should be localized, with input from development councils at the provincial and regional levels to ensure that infrastructure aligns with the specific needs of communities.
He warned that without careful coordination, Batangas could face the same urban congestion problems experienced in Metro Manila, where reactive development led to costly and disruptive transport projects.
Former Senator Panfilo Lacson pointed to the need for a more disciplined and transparent national budgeting process, especially for infrastructure funding. He highlighted the importance of aligning legislative planning with the priorities of implementing agencies and local government units to avoid inefficiencies and fund misuse.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III pushed for stronger regional\ development programs, suggesting that boosting local livelihood and agriculture could reduce the number of residents migrating or commuting to urban centers for work—helping decongest main thoroughfares over time.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate includes sitting and former lawmakers and local leaders, namely ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Senators
Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, and Francis “Tol” Tolentino, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Tito Sotto, and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar.
The group’s platform prioritizes inclusive development and infrastructure support, with Batangas identified as a key growth area requiring urgent transportation solutions.
