RGM bags transport chairmanship

QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – In a move which shocked many Liberal Party stalwarts Representative Roger G. Mercado of the Lone District of Southern Leyte was elected chairman of the powerful Congressional Committee on Transportation.

His election last Monday evening caught many solons by surprise since the chairmanship of important committees are usually given to members of the ruling party which in this case is the Liberal Party.

Mercado told the Southern Leyte Times that House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte broke tradition and crossed party lines by giving key committee chairmanships to senior congressmen who had chaired committees during the past two congresses.

Representative Mercado had chaired the committee on Public Works and Highways during the 14th Congress and the Committee on Poverty Alleviation during the 13th Congress. His legislative agenda for the latter committee earned him the recognition of the University of the Philippines Graduate School of Public Administration which chose him among the Ten Top Congressmen in the country in 2004.

Representative Mercado who soundly defeated former congressman Aniceto Saludo in the last election is on his third and last term as congressman.

The Congressional Committee on Transportation reviews all major projects relating to aviation, shipping, railways, roads and public transportation projects. The key government agencies under its jurisdiction are the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Civil Aeronautics Board and the Toll Regulatory Board.

Its functions also include oversight on all public and private airports and seaport operations in the Philippines.

When asked how he got the coveted post although he actively supported the presidential bid of then Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and not President Benigno Aquino - Mercado said seniority and faith in God were the deciding factors.

He said among the local projects he would pursue here is the renovation of the idle Panan-awan Airport and the construction of the Caniwan Seaport which is a safe natural harbor and closer to Bohol, Cebu and Manila. (By RUEVIVAR M. REYES)

Other News

Dengue Outbreak Rocks City

No Foul in Swedes Death

Ichon Nun Missing?

Rash of Robberies

Amazing!

Our Rice is Safe-NFA