CITING the urgent need for an “alternative” mode of transportation amid the traffic jam in various parts of Metro Manila, senators echoed one view in pushing for an efficient railway system as the backbone of the country’s development.

Senator Joseph Victor JV Ejercito, in a privilege speech Tuesday, underscores the importance and benefits of having an efficient railway system in ensuring equal distribution of opportunities across the country and improving the “quality of life of Filipinos”.

Ejercito explained that railways in various countries are considered one of the most energy-efficient transport modes as it uses 12 times less energy and emits seven to 11 times less greenhouse gas emission per passenger per kilometer traveled than private vehicles and airplanes.

“Let us lead our countrymen to a future where our railway system is modern, safe, accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Let us help them regain the quality of life they have lost from battling everyday traffic and lack of means to travel,” Ejercito said.

Ejercito argued that this move to promote a widespread and efficient railway system would be an investment in the nation’s development with immense benefits in transportation convenience and spur the economy and industrial development.

Ejercito expressed an “unwavering” commitment to supporting the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) mission to implement critical infrastructure programs of the administration as he urged the need to fast track the construction and prevent further delay of the railway transit completion.

In his manifestation at the session hall on Tuesday, Deputy Majority Leader Senator Mark Villar pledged his “full support” in discussing the future and improvement of the Philippines’ railway system.

“It is my hope that through adequate government policies and good practices, we can improve and make our railways’ system be like those of developed countries. Let us continue to support infrastructure programs that seek to bring development, jobs, and new opportunities around the country,” Mark Villar said.

As the former Public Works Secretary during the Duterte Administration, Villar lauded the unprecedented strides that the previous administration had made to “ease the burden on Filipino commuters”.

One of Villar’s advocacies during his term was the “Kalsada Tungo sa Paliparan, Riles at Daungan” or “KATUPARAN” program.

Under KATUPARAN, connections to seaports, airports, and railroad terminals were built. As of this day, 443 kilometers of roads have been built to enhance economic, logistical, and transportation operations in these significant transportation hubs.

“We need an efficient, operational, safe, and secure railway system. A railway system that every Filipino commuter deserves,” Villar emphasized.

Villar aims to continue the “momentum” initiated by the previous administration and keep in mind the concerns on safety and convenience of daily commuters.

“With consistent effort and support, the implementation of the targeted projects would be a lot clearer in the next few years. A ‘whole-of-government’ approach is what we need in order to pursue these ambitious plans,” Villar said.

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, who stood before the Senate floor, expressed “strong” support for the railway system as he explained that transportation is “the glue of our daily lives and that people depend so much on transportation.”

Interpellating Sen. JV Ejercito, Revilla said the government should intensify its effort to strengthen the country’s railway, which he said is an essential factor in the growth and progress of our nation.

“It has always been the backbone of the best transport systems across the world,” Revilla said as he urged all government agencies to act immediately on this matter.

Sen. Grace Poe said she expects the Marcos administration to be more discerning when signing foreign loan agreements for the three prospective railway projects.

Poe asked why the government would enter a loan agreement with China Eximbank when it offered higher interest rates, like a 3-percent interest rate compared to the 0.01 percent offered by Japan.

“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise that the project did not push through. I would trust a partner that has delivered already time and again,” Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, said.

Ejercito, during the interpellation, expressed agreement with Poe, saying that he agreed with Poe that Japan is more “reliable” because China Eximbank had already “backed out” of the plan.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, during the plenary, also said it is indeed a very important project as she expressed dismay over the slow implementation of the railway project, which she argued has remained on the drawing board for more than two decades now.

Hontiveros said the railway system could be the backbone of the country’s economy, and railway stations could be developed into economic hubs. She cited the economic gains of Singapore and Greece when they invested in efficient transportation.

Sen. Pia Cayetano, who also supported the call of Ejercito for greater emphasis on building a nationwide railway system, stated that such would be a partial solution to climate change issues. By Camille P. Balagtas and PS Jun M. Sarmiento