A portion of the PHP82.2 billion in unutilized road user taxes can be used to improve pedestrian mobility in crowded areas of Metro Manila and other urbanized cities across the country.
House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said in a news release on Sunday that the government should consider building more sidewalks and bike lanes as part of its infrastructure program, adding that these "have been sidelined and waylaid" in the infrastructure menu for years.
The construction of pedestrian-centric pathways can be funded by motor vehicle registration fees, which had an unspent balance of P82.2 billion as of 2021.
He also mentioned that the improvement and construction of sidewalks and bike lanes should be coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is in charge of collecting fees under Republic Act 8794, also known as the Motor Vehicle User's Charge law.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently in charge of safe pathways for people biking or walking (DOTr).
He stated that constructing elevated walkways in densely populated areas will reduce traffic congestion and provide the option of walking to short-distance destinations.
