The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) admitted during an interview with the media that the traffic problem in Metro Manila is more challenging than catching carjackers. This was the statement released by Highway Patrol Group Director Chief Supt. Arnold Gunnacao.
According to the HPG’s chief, Supt. Gunnacao, going after car thieves only needs surveillance and arrest after they are pinpointed, while decongesting traffic entails persuading each driver and motorist to observe discipline.
The national government assured the Filipino public that the newest order of President Aquino transferring some traffic management duties to the Philippine National Police’s HPG would be be a superficial solution to traffic woes as reports of systemic and entrenched corruption among those enforcing traffic laws would be addressed.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also stated that they already asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) t act on reports about the alleged “butaw” or fees given to certain authorities on a weekly or monthly basis by operators of colorum public utility vehicles.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said yesterday, “We cannot fail… We will try our level best to make sure that we restore some level of sanity on EDSA.” Gen. Marquez said the HPG will make sure that the intersections are not blocked, no counterflow will be allowed and yellow bus lanes will be observed.
The MMDA is also preparing for the turnover of its traffic management functions to the HPG on Monday as its chairman, Francis Tolentino met with Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras to fine-tune operational details.
