00:00Bridges are critical infrastructure, because if there are no bridges, there will be no connectivity,
00:09like in Cebu. Bridges are the most critical pieces of infrastructure because they connect the two islands,
00:17across the tri-city area, and one more, towards the south or the north.
00:24So, it's important that these bridges always are checked, and with modern technology, this is no longer the case.
00:33So I think our DPWH will be doing this.
00:38The good thing is, we now have bridges that are under public-private partnership, like CCX,
00:45and we can rely now on the private sector to also assist government.
00:51So, like this, the Metro Pacific, I think this is one of the most beautiful bridges in the country,
00:59and very well built, but the maintenance is critical.
01:03And I think sometimes, or more often than not, that is where government needs help.
01:11Because of a lot of restrictions and the lack of capacity,
01:17then the maintenance of these facilities, not just bridges, but bridges, airports, railways, ports, is lacking.
01:28It's very easy to act if you're a public servant.
01:34Because you are supposed to serve, and you're supposed to take care of it.
01:37Even if there are instances where our citizens violate the law, or are disrespectful,
01:46or we, servants of the people, law enforcers especially, have to always practice maximum tolerance.
01:56Like in the Bohol incident, maybe the city member said something bad,
02:05but that does not justify at all the kind of physical maltreatment that we received from the law enforcers,
02:12which was really excessive.
02:14So, that's why we acted very swiftly.
02:16It happened on Friday.
02:18We just sent one of our assistant secretaries here to investigate.
02:22But on Monday, we made the swift decision to dismiss the five law enforcers.
02:29And I think this sends a very strong message that the President will not tolerate this sort of behavior from people in government, especially law enforcers.
02:38What things have you filed?
02:40We're still looking at it.
02:41The LBO is still studying what cases we filed.
02:44I heard also the family of Ma'am Byrd, we also filed.
02:49The flooding will be the protocol.
02:52That's underway now.
02:54Because, for example, in motorcycles, I'm sure you also see it here in the city.
03:00Do you see a lot of enforcers flooding motorcycles?
03:04Well, we have to fix it immediately.
03:07Because I think Iloilo is one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing city in the country.
03:16Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry, Governor, Jojo, Jam, everybody here.
03:22I think they've really shown the entire country how fast a city can grow with the right kind of leadership.
03:33And the national government really needs to support the local leadership of the city and the province.
03:42So, we came here.
03:44In fact, this is my first trip outside of Metro Manila.
03:49First time in Iloilo.
03:50And it shows how important Iloilo is in the transportation development of the country.
03:57And the most important asset of Iloilo is this international airport.
04:02There are a lot of flights.
04:04It's already more than 2 million passengers per year.
04:09But we need to develop it quickly.
04:12So, we assured the mayor and the governor that the OPR will fast-track the current PPP proposal from the VDR group
04:24in order to ensure the sustainable development and growth of the airport to support the growth of the city.
04:34We gave them an update.
04:35We are already at a very advanced stage of the unsolicited proposal.
04:41And hopefully, within the year, this can already be completed.
04:46With me is PPA GM Jason Chago.
04:49He's also with me.
04:50And one important request of Mayor Jerry is the Roro Port here in Fort San Pedro.
04:59But I know there were some issues in the past because of the historical significance of the port.
05:05So, the agreement is PPA will be presenting plans that will ensure the protection of the historical site, Fort San Pedro.
05:20GM Jay agreed to present the new plan this week because it's very critical that we have a new Roro Port.
05:32So, those two things we will be doing for Iloilo City.
05:50For more information, please visit www.iloilo.org
05:56For more information, please visit www.iloilo.org
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