Written for The Diplomat
The year 2023 ended in the Philippines with several transport groups holding nationwide protests aimed at pressuring the government to reconsider its program that will lead to the phaseout of jeepneys.
The jeepneys were World War II surplus vehicles of the U.S. military before they were modified and used by Filipinos for transporting people and goods. Since then, jeepneys have become the country’s main mode of public transportation.
Indeed, the riding public is clamoring for a better transport system. But what the recent transport protests also revealed was the enduring popularity of jeepneys which remain accessible and affordable to many. It is a reminder to the Marcos government that it cannot simply redesign the roads of the future by removing the beloved and old reliable Philippine jeepneys.
Philippines Hit by Flooding and Oil Spill Disasters
Written for The Diplomat
Massive flooding in the capital region and an oil spill disaster have wrought havoc in the Philippines, as officials underscored the debilitating effect of climate change and the need for sustained and comprehensive preparation at all levels of government.
Typhoon Gaemi, known locally as Carina, caused heavy rainfall in Metro Manila and nearby provinces which led to the worst flooding disaster in the nation’s biggest urban center since 2009. As of July 28, government data showed that a total of 1,228,904 families, or 4,514,896 persons, had been affected by the typhoon and subsequent flooding.
The twin disasters could also affect the trust rating of the country’s top two leaders. The president needs to convince the public that the 5,000 flood control projects worth billions of pesos were really completed and effective. As for Vice President Sara Duterte, she drew flak for going to Germany on a personal trip while a million of her constituents were displaced by floods.
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