Richard Gomez deletes post after drawing flak over bus lane rant

MANILA, Philippines — Leyte Fourth District Rep. Richard Gomez drew flak from netizens after venting on social media his frustration at the heavy traffic along EDSA on Thursday and suggesting that the bus lane of the major thoroughfare be opened to allow other vehicles to pass.

In his now-deleted Facebook post, Gomez questioned why the bus lane could not be opened to ease traffic congestion.

Fourth District Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PHOTO/RICHARDGOMEZPH

He said, «2 hours in EDSA traffic and counting. From Makati, Ayala nasa SM Edsa pa lang ako up to now. Eh QC ang punta ko. 1 or 2 hours pa ba?! (Two hours in EDSA traffic and counting. From Makati, Ayala, I'm still here at SM EDSA. I'm heading to Quezon City. Will this take one to two more hours)?» He asked in Filipino why the bus lane could not be opened during heavy traffic to ease the congestion.

Fourth District Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PHOTO/RICHARDGOMEZPH

The post drew negative reactions from many netizens, with some suggesting that he should try taking the bus instead.

«Richard Gomez observed that he was stuck in traffic while in his car, noticing only a few buses in the bus lane. That's a solution staring him in the face, but he missed it,» X user Jai Cabajar wrote.

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«Dear Congressman Richard Gomez: I understand the challenges our commuters face daily while traveling in Metro Manila. Opening bus lanes exclusively for car owners and VIPs undermines the existing transportation framework intended for public benefit. As a lawmaker, your influence is crucial in prioritizing the improvement of our mass transportation system. By enhancing the infrastructure and efficiency of public transport, we can alleviate traffic congestion and provide a more equitable commuting experience for everyone,» pointed out Deo Enalpe on X.

«This dude is complaining about traffic inside his air-conditioned car while the majority of Filipinos who commute have to endure noise and air pollution, the hot weather, and the traffic that is primarily caused by private cars,» the Facebook page Dalawang Sentimo sa Kalye wrote.

«This kind of post from politicians just shows how detached they are