Free rides for relocated squatters in new trains.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Neal H. Cruz

I DON'T understand why the Department of Transportation and Communication is neglecting the Philippine National Railways when it can do a lot to alleviate the congestion in our roads. In the 1950s and 1960s, the railroad was the spine of the transportation system in Luzon running from Damortis, La Union, in the north to Legazpi, Albay, in the south. It transported passengers and cargo quickly and comfortably. Vacationists going to Baguio used the PNR's first-class, air-conditioned coaches until Damortis and then rode air-conditioned cars and buses up to the cool City of Pines.

Even President Diosdado Macapagal used the train in going to Baguio with his family (including the then cute tyke, Gloria). In their coach, the President tried to catch up with his paperwork. His staff and …