Philam residents voice out different views on idea of Friendship Route opening extension

Philam Village residents in Las Pinas last week gave different opinions regarding an idea to extend the opening of the Friendship Route gate of the village up to 12 midnight.

In interviews with villagers, several expressed concern over security while others liked the convenience the extension of the opening would bring.

“No, no, no. For security and privacy reasons,” one villager opined.

One even said he was against the Friendship Route passing through Philam from the start but since their main road is now open to the public, the resident said to limit it to the 10:30pm closing.

The Friendship Route is open from 5am till 10 to 10:30pm in most villages that Las Pinas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar opened.

Some said that opening it would be nice for the city since more cars would be able to avoid traffic along the always-busy Alabang-Zapote Road.

Other villagers brought up the issue of pollution and most importantly security.

“Of course motorists from other villages will be happy since they’ll have more options to get to their destinations but what about Philam homeowners?” asked another villager, who also wondered if the city government will provide security to their village if the extension is indeed implemented.

Those who approved of the plan said so with the condition that security inside the village indeed be tightened.

“They don’t understand the risk that the extension will bring. The later it gets, the more dangerous it becomes. What if evil elements take advantage of this?” asked another annoyed villager.

“Why don’t they just open it for 24 hours?!” said an exasperated villager, who added that they are at risk as it is with the normal hours of the Friendship Route.

Whatever the local government of Las Pinas decides to do with the hours of the Friendship Route, the villagers are asking that they be consulted first especially since they will be directly affected if the extension pushes through.

For now, we just have to wait and see.