The Department Of Transportation (DOTr) has released a statement with regards to Senator Nancy Binay “mocking” its plan to roll out the EDSA Busway.

Binay was recalled saying on Saturday, “Para kasing virtual experiment ang ginagawa sa mananakay. Huwag po natin ipilit ang mga hilaw at minadaling plano sa EDSA which placed public safety as a secondary concern. Di po EDSA ang classroom sa online learning.”

In response, DOTr addressed the accusations on social media. Despite the government agency expressing its appreciation towards the senator’s “best intention”, it is “disappointed” and “frustrated” that a government official—who works in the same industry as DOTr—has disregarded its sole initiative to provide a better riding experience for the public.

DOTr also voiced out that Binay did not even take the time to hear their plans.

“The EDSA Busway plan is actually not even a new concept but a take off from the Bus Rapid Transit system or BRT, and the Bus Median Lane usage that has been proven to be one of the more effective mass transport systems in the world,” it explained.

“The DOTr has taken inspiration from this system, and will introduce all the conveniences and safety features that the BRT and median lane has to offer,” it added. “In adopting this, we, of course, will ensure first and foremost the SAFETY of the commuter, via the establishment of designated bus stops in strategic locations, and with the proper ingress and egress, as well as accessible crossings and pathways, most of which will be complementary to the existing MRT-3 station facilities. Thus, even PWDs and senior citizens will have easier access.”

DOTr continued, assuring Binay that it is working with various government agencies such as the DPWH and the MMDA to provide better solutions to drivers and passengers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, it called out the senator’s recent statement. “Rather than berate or mock our efforts via media sensationalism just to gain mileage and exposure, we call on Senator Binay instead to join us in our genuine quest for better mobility and connectivity for our people.”

Following that is an open invitation for the senator to join its video conferences as well the guarantee that its personnel are always available to listen to her concerns.

It said, “This is a time for serious action in government, and we at the DOTr cannot afford to simply grandstand or use our precious time and valued resources engaging in negativity, as we all face and seek solution to this global health crisis, and help our people.”

“We thank Senator Nancy Binay for her unsolicited criticism, which rather than taking offense, we will instead channel it as motivation to serve better the public interest,” DOTr ended.

Read the full statement here: