Palace: Give MMDA a chance

CONGESTION Traffic builds up on Edsa as buses are restricted to the yellow lane. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Following the sharp rebuke to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the traffic on Edsa, Malacañang has asked the public to give the agency a chance.

“Hindi naman pupuwede rin na hindi maapektuhan ang publiko habang nag-eeksperimento ka. Let’s give them a chance,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

“Pagbigyan na muna natin ang MMDA. Walang may gustong maabala sa Edsa,” Panelo added. 

He cited that the Philippines loses billions due to the traffic congestion in Metro Manila. 

“Lahat tayo naabala, in fact, we’re suffering by so much (sic) millions. Billions pa nga eh given the time lost,” he said. 

The Palace official said the public could send their suggestions to the Palace or to the MMDA.

“Kung mayroon kang magandang mungkahi at iyong mga nakikinig sa atin ay may magandang mungkahi, siguro bigyan tayo, ang MMDA para makatulong,” he said.

The already heavy traffic in Edsa worsened last week after the MMDA strictly enforced the yellow-lane policy as it rolled out its dry run of its provincial bus ban. /je