Lastimoso: Revival of Panay railways still possible
Alto Cable Host Noel Valentino
interviews MRTA Manager Roberto
Lastimoso.
ROXAS CITY – Ex-Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Roberto "Bobby" Lastimoso, now manager of Metro Rail Transit Authority in Metro, Manila, said that there is still a possibility that the defunct Panay Railways from Iloilo City to Roxas City with the extension going to Caticlan, Kalibo, Aklan would be revived.
Lastimoso, a native of Capiz, said that there is a standing plan to revive the Panay Railways as it will boost tourism industry not only here but also in the entire Philippines.
"Everywhere in the world there are railways benefiting millions of people," Lastimoso said during an interview with Alto Cable.
He said that the rehabilitation of railways connecting Iloilo-Capiz-Caticlan could boost the tourism industry here.
Asked about his plan in the 2010 election, Lastimoso did not confirm that he would seek public office but he said he wants to serve his fellow Capizeños in the 2nd district of Capiz.
"I can't answer it directly since I might be charged of electioneering but I want to serve my fellow Capizeños in the 2nd district," Lastimoso said.
Lastimoso, who hails from Mambusao, said that after his retirement he was urged by his siblings in America to also go there but he turned down the idea.
"I think I'm not destined to be outside the country, but I might be destined to serve my kasimanwa here," he quipped.
Lastimoso, 64, had been in war-torn Sulu for 25 years while he was still a Philippine Constabulary (PC) Officer. He has also served as Land Transportation Office (LTO) undersecretary.
He is the father of incumbent Board Member Rommel Roberto Lastimoso, chair of Peace and Order and Police Matter.