Malacañang has commented on the directive of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez obligating agency officials to submit reports based on their commuting experience, including recommendations and action plans to improve public transportation.

In a press conference, Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace will not oppose the order, so long as it is reasonable and does not infringe on individual rights.

“At maganda po ang magiging adhikain nito para kung sino man pong mga public officials natin, ay talagang maranasan na kung ano ang nararanasan ng mga pangkaraniwang mananakay,” Castri told reporters.

Lopez, meanwhile, encouraged officials from other government sectors to also try commuting to understand firsthand the daily struggles of commuters.

“‘Yung mga ibang opisyal naman sa ibang sectors, hinihikayat din nating mag-commute dahil ito lang talaga yung paraan para makita at madama first hand kung ano ba ang hirap na nararanasan ng mga commuters,” Lopez said.