WHEREAS,
the Mac Arthur Highway is the alternate road of the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEx) which serves as a link between the National
Capital Region and other northern Luzon regions;
WHEREAS,
the Manila North Tollway Corporation (MNTC), being the operator
of the NLEx, has implemented a staggering 400% toll rate average
increase from the current rate last February 2005;
WHEREAS,
because of the toll rate increase, it has been observed that
some of the traffic has shifted from the NLEx to the McArthur
Highway which may eventually result to severe traffic
congestion, increased pedestrian/vehicular accidents and
protection/maintenance cost;
WHEREAS,
the government has already allocated P500M for the urgent
rehabilitation/upgrading and widening works on critical sections
of the McArthur Highway from Bulacan up to Tarlac;
WHEREAS,
the estimated total financial requirement per design by the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the
development and expansion program of the McArthur Highway is
P4.019Billion;
WHEREAS,
with the limited funds available, there is a need to prioritize
critical areas along McArthur Highway especially the major towns
where business and trade abound;
WHEREAS,
while waiting for possible sources of fund, the concerned Mayors
and Governors of these critical areas are enjoined to secure the
road right of way and clear the obstructions in the highway;
NOW,
THEREFORE,
on motion by
Dr. Salvador T. Duque and duly seconded by RD Leonardo N. Quitos,
Jr. of Region 1, BE IT:
RESOLVED, AS
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED,
to strongly endorse, push and lobby to the Secretary of the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to allocate funds
for the widening and rehabilitation of the McArthur Highway as a
priority road for development;
RESOLVED
FINALLY,
that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Secretary
Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. of DPWH and to all concerned local
government units, for consideration and appropriate action;
UNANIMOUSLY
APPROVED,
this 4th day of April 2005 at Manila Hotel, Manila,
Philippines.
