Who is responsible for congestion, air pollution? Find out the verdict at today's Traffic Court. @rapplerdotcom @lalarimando
Judge Jitu Shah of ADB precides over Traffic court. @rapplerdotcom
Judge Shah: I will be the judge. No more objections. A guilty plea will save us a lot of time.
The one responsible for Over 600K fatalities, 12mln injuries in Asia and the Pacific will be determined at today's Traffic Court.
Govt: my client has acted in good faith. We have simply done what the public wants us to do. This court has no jurisdiction.
Teodoro Locsin Jr. is the prosecuting attorney.
Judge Shah says the jury will be composed of the audience here at the Transport Forum.
Govt: urban transport is just one of the matters that concern govt.
Locsin: have you looked at what needs to be done? Such as introducing bikes?
Govt: we have to take into consideration the entire picture.
Govt: ultimately, the city and state govts are tasked to look at local bodies, etc. We are a democracy.
Locsin: so this is not a problem of the govt?
Locsin: what you (govt) have done is merely to describe the problem and not give a solution.
Govt: urban transport is constitutional. India has come up with policies, engaged with various institutions, etc
Govt: we funded 15K buses in India, transform bus transports across India, we did this in only 1 year.
Locsin: traffic doesn't come from Pasig but it comes here. What are you doing abt it?
City govt: pasig is proud that we invested P100mln for pasig city devt that will reach C5, we will create a greenway thru ADB's help
City govt: will install traffic systems by 2013 to reduce emissions; we have also put in place bike to work programs; etc.
City govt: Pasig Mayor is now on a bike. He is biking the talk.
City govt: we need help in changing the attitude of people that we can all walk in Ortigas, in Metro Manila
Lawyer for defense: I'm willing to bring my dog to the stand. My dog is witness to the change in cities.
Judge Shah did not allow the dog's testimony to prevent turning his court into a zoo
Vehicle industry (rep from Nissan): increase in vehicles are good for us, yes. We also have green cars.
Locsin: why can't u bring down the price of green cars?
Nissan: if more ppl will buy more green cars, the cost of manufacturing them will significantly decline.
Locsin: CSO rep will be witness for the prosecution.
CSO: govt, car companies, banks are the problem. I am defending myself, noth these other people.
CSOs: we have to plan cities for people, not cars. We know the big issue here is political that can lead to better policies.
Locsin stresses no offer of immunity was offered to CSO.
Defense: ADB must be excused from this crossfire.
Judge Shah to defense: you are trying my patience. ADB rep asked to proceed
ADB: I agree, more has to be done to reduce poverty in Asia. With roads, parents can take kids to hospitals, we create jobs, build future
Locsin: I see you've killed a lot of trees.
ADB: we are for sustainable transport and road safety
ADB: on some projects we are seeing a lot of results.
Judge Shah: I don't want to hear all the details, we don't have time.
Judge Shah: witness excused
Defense: these papers we're recycled already.
ADB: these are the projects we are working on. These projects can be used as more evidence.
Judge shah to defense: your client may not be innocent but ignorant. Jury now deciding. Will be done electronically. 15 seconds to vote
Defense: much work will have to be done but the responsibility rests on constituents. This is a historic and unique day.
Locsin: these clients have thrown billions of dollars to these projects.
Verdict: all 5 defendants guilty 76 to 34
Judge Shah: the only reality is one that is happening on the streets. There's a collective guilt.
Judge Shah: I sentence each defendant to improve efforts. Every member of the court is guilty. Use more sustainable transport.
Judge Shah: implement a car-free day in your locales and encourage carpooling.
Who is responsible for congestion, air pollution? Find out the verdict at today's Traffic Court. @rapplerdotcom @lalarimandoby Cai Ordinario via twitter 11/6/2012 8:11:14 AM