On Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made true to his promise of using public transportation going to work. He traveled from his residence in Marikina City to Malacañang.
This was a result of taking on the challenge posed by Anakbayan to government officials. Anakbayan dared officials to commute so they can experience the daily hardships faced by Filipinos who cannot afford their own cars.
A few days ago, Panelo drew criticisms for saying that there is no mass transport crisis.
“What do they mean by transportation crisis? I only see the traffic. That’s not transport. There’s transportation available. We can all get rides,” he said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
He added, “I don’t think we’re at that point yet. Because people can still reach their destination.”
According to reports, Panelo left his home at around 5:15 AM.
The spokesperson even started sharing snapshots of his commute.
FLASH REPORT: Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, nakasakay na sa isang jeep at sinimulan na ang kanyang “commute challenge.”
(?: Sec. Salvador Panelo) | via @mamutuesday pic.twitter.com/01uEqbECpv— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) October 10, 2019
Twitter user @MelvyndefenThor shared a post saying he saw Panelo in Barangay Concepcion Uno in Marikina City at 6:53 AM.
Hirap sumakay no? #Panelo pic.twitter.com/U9S3nAJ3NG
— ??♂️ (@melvyndefenThor) October 10, 2019
After four jeepney rides and finally, hitching a motorcycle ride, Panelo reached his place of work.
Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes has this to say.
“Mayroong mass transport crisis.”
Ito ang napatunayan sa higit 3 oras na biyahe ni Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, na nagpalipat-lipat sa 4 na jeep bago makarating ng Malakanyang mula sa Marikina, ayon kay Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes.
Here’s what netizens have to say about Panelo’s commute today:
Apparently, it took him 4 hours to commute to work.
Panelo: “well this is awkward” https://t.co/btDckeJtmJ
— Ck. (@im_pagod) October 11, 2019
Some wanted him to do it every day.
Panelo Commutes EVERYDAY Challenge ??? https://t.co/0lQJ983wc2
— Tricia Ruivivar (@triciaruivivar) October 11, 2019
Some challenged him to do it again going back home later.
Dear @ABSCBNNews, sana po makarating kay Panelo na HINDI KUMPLETO ANG CHALLENGE KUNG HINDI SYA MAGCOCOMMUTE PAUWI.
— Mr. Ong (@jepoy_ongjoco) October 11, 2019
Now, he knows how Filipino commuters feel.
So alam na dapat ni Panelo pakiramdam ng commuters, pikon na pikon sya kanina during the interview with Tunying eh.. #commutechallenge
— Dindo RD (@12DindoRD) October 11, 2019
Apparently, this isn’t new at all. President Rodrigo Duterte’s former spokesman Harry Roque also used public transportation before.
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