MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte asked Congress on Monday for "emergency powers" to solve crippling traffic jams that cost the economy P2.4 billion daily.

Duterte said Congress' action was "the urgent and immediate solution" to the worsening traffic situation.

"If you give it fine, if not, we take the longer route, slowly, and tanggapin ko ‘yung pagmumura ninyo," he said in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

READ: Speaker pitches ‘emergency powers’ for Duterte vs traffic

He said government would intensify its crackdown on unlicensed or "colorum" public utility vehicles and revive the Pasig river ferry system.

"To address lack of road infrastructure in Metro Manila, usage of existing roads will be maximized," he added.