Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. Screengrab from Salt and Light Media Youtube account
MANILA, Philippines — Even Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was not spared from the traffic caused by the Edsa People Power anniversary festivities on Wednesday.
The mass commemorating the uprising started almost ten minutes late because Tagle was caught up in heavy traffic.
The mass at the main chapel of the Shrine of Mary, Our Lady of Edsa, was supposed to start at 12:15 p.m. but Tagle arrived at around 12:24 p.m.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Presidential Security Group (PSG) had to be dispatched to assist him.
Reports said Tagle’s vehicle was stuck in traffic somewhere in Santolan.
Among those who waited for the cardinal’s arrival were President Benigno Aquino III, Vice President Jejomar Binay and other officials. Many of them came early, straight from the wreath laying ceremony at the People Power Monument.
Despite the hiccup, Tagle arrived shortly, wearing his signature grin.
Presidential sister Victoria Elisa “Viel” Aquino-Dee was also caught in traffic, according to one of the organizers.
Parts of Edsa, from Shaw boulevard to Santolan, were closed on Wednesday due to the wreath laying ceremony and the mass.
On social media, Filipinos complained of the traffic caused by the rerouting.
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