Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate under Alyansa sa Pagbabago 2025, Benhur Abalos Jr., is pushing for the strengthening of the mass transport system as the primary solution to the worsening traffic congestion in the Philippines—not just in Metro Manila, but also in highly urbanized cities in Mindanao such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos.
In a senatorial interview on DZBB, Abalos emphasized that building new roads, flyovers, and bridges alone will not be enough if there is no efficient and reliable mass transport system in place.
According to him, the continuous increase in the number of vehicles will only worsen the current situation if there is no concrete plan for public transportation development.
Beyond Metro Manila, Abalos pointed out that severe traffic congestion is now also being experienced in major cities in Mindanao.
He explained that the rapid urbanization of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and other economic centers in the region calls for early investments in transport infrastructure to prevent future traffic gridlocks.
“In Mindanao, cities and businesses are expanding. We must develop railway systems and modernized bus networks now to avoid experiencing the same traffic problems that Metro Manila is facing today,” Abalos said.
One of Abalos’ proposed solutions is the continuation and acceleration of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP)—a long-awaited initiative aimed at connecting Mindanao’s key cities.
“The Mindanao Railway is a game-changer. Once completed, transportation will be faster and more affordable, not just for passengers but also for trade and commerce,” he added.
Abalos also cited successful mass transport systems in Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand that have significantly improved urban mobility and eased congestion.
He stressed that the same principles can be applied not just in Metro Manila but also in Davao and other expanding urban centers in Mindanao.
“In Thailand, they faced traffic problems as severe as ours. But through the expansion of their MRT and busway system, traffic flow gradually improved. In Davao, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro, a modern bus rapid transit (BRT) system and railway network can be the key to preventing congestion,” he explained.
Aside from transportation, Abalos highlighted the need to expand urban development in Mindanao to avoid the overcongestion that occurred in Metro Manila.
“In Luzon, we have seen the effects of decongestion strategies in Pampanga, Cavite, and Laguna. But we must ensure that we are not just shifting congestion—we need well-planned transport and infrastructure development alongside urban expansion,” Abalos stated.
Furthermore, he emphasized that not only passenger rail systems should be prioritized but also logistics and cargo railways to speed up the transport of goods from Mindanao to other parts of the country.
“A freight rail system in Mindanao will be a massive help in transporting goods such as bananas, cacao, and other agricultural products. This will lower costs and make our export industry more competitive by ensuring faster and more efficient transportation,” Abalos explained.
Abalos reiterated the urgent need for serious funding and acceleration of mass transport projects nationwide, including in Mindanao.
“It is time to invest seriously in transportation. We are not just doing this for the present but for future generations. If we want to achieve progress, we must start with a reliable, modern, and affordable mass transport system—not just in Luzon but across the entire Philippines, especially in Mindanao,” Abalos emphasized.
