Senate President Win Gatchalian expressed his belief that lawmakers ought to take public transportation to work at least once every week to better grasp the daily struggles of commuters.
Gatchalian shared his thoughts on Friday, September 18, during the finance sub-panel budget hearings for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) 2027 allocation, after asking DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez if agency heads were maintaining their weekly commute initiative.
Lopez had previously issued a directive mandating top transportation officials to commute once weekly to gain firsthand insight into the public transit system.
During the hearing, Lopez confirmed he continues the practice without posting on social media, though he acknowledged he cannot monitor whether all subordinates still comply.
”But, to be honest, hindi ko alam kung ginagawa po ng aking mga kasamahan. That’s something I cannot check anymore, ho,” Lopez told Gatchalian.
Calling the agency’s policy “inspiring,” Gatchalian noted that experiencing public transit firsthand is essential for public servants to address the needs of passengers effectively. He added that members of the Senate should follow suit, pointing out Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, who routinely rides a bicycle to work.
“In fact, dapat kami mga senador gawin rin namin yun eh, to be honest about it,” Gatchalian said.
“But I would encourage you and your top management to continue that policy para lang makita natin yung totoong sitwasyon ng public transportation sector natin,” he added.
The Senate President praised Lopez for continuing the habit quietly rather than using it for online visibility.
“Ako, na-inspire ako doon to be honest about it kasi nakita ko yung puso ninyo para sa mga commuters natin,” Gatchalian remarked.
“Hindi naman kailangan mag-Facebook o mag-live o ano, hindi naman kailangan ganun eh. I think part of the experience and part of the job yun,” he added.
Gatchalian ended with a lighthearted remark directed at transportation officials who might not be adhering to the weekly requirement.
“Sana ma-guilty yung mga magpaparinig ako, no? Hindi kayo chine-check ni Secretary, pero mag-guilty na lang kayo,” he joked.