FILE PHOTO: The Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge connecting the cities of Makati and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila. INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The buses that allegedly blocked on Saturday the southbound lane of the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge that connects Mandaluyong City and Makati City were cleared almost immediately, said the Mandaluyong Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO).
This came after several viral posts on social media showed empty buses that appeared to be blocking Makati-bound vehicles from crossing the Pantaleon-Estrella bridge in Mandaluyong City.
The TPMO, however, told INQUIRER.net that the buses were cleared as early as 10:30 a.m., and that only one bus caused the traffic jam when it exited the lane where it was parked with the other buses.
“Pag tiningnan naman sa drone makikita naman na one-side parking passable ‘yung lugar… nagkataon lang na may lumabas na isang bus,” said TPMO.
(If you look at the drone, you can see that the area is one-side parking passable. It just so happened that one bus came out.)
“It took around two minutes lang naman na lumabas ‘yung bus na ‘yon so wala kaming hinarang,” it added.
(It only took around two minutes for that bus to get out so we didn’t stop anyone.)
The TPMO however assured that it is now investigating which bus company owned the bus that triggered the traffic jam. Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Aguilar-Abalos ordered the probe.
“Papahanap namin, papaalam ko kung anong bus company pinaimbestigahan ni Mayor,” said the TPMO.
(We will find out, we will let the public know what bus company it is, the Mayor told us to investigate.)
According to the TPMP, the buses involved in the incident were hired by supporters of presidential candidate and former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Medyo natuwa ‘yung nagsponsor ng bus sa Mandaluyong for BBM maagang nagpunta, alas otso ng umaga, ngayon ‘yung traffic enforcer naman ginagawa ‘yung lahat para maayos ‘yung traffic,” said TPMO.
(The sponsor of the bus in Mandaluyong for BBM was probably excited. The buses arrived early, at 8 in the morning, the traffic enforcer did everything they could to fix the traffic.)
Leni Robredo and Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who are running for president and vice president respectively, were set to hold their miting de avance in Ayala, Makati on the afternoon of the same day.
Meanwhile, Marcos Jr., and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio are also set to hold their miting de avance in Parañaque City.
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