MANILA, Philippines – The government will try its best to prevent massive traffic jams similar to what happened during the celebration of the 29th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Uprising, Malacañang said Thursday.
“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga kababayan na naipit sa traffic dulot ng pagsasara ng mga daan kahapon,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Palace briefing.
(We apologize to our citizens who were caught up in traffic caused by the closure of roads yesterday.)
Many Filipinos were either stuck in traffic or were forced to walk several blocks on Wednesday after parts of Edsa and other roads were closed for the said celebration.
“Sa susunod na pagkakataon maglalabas ng mas maaga at mas kumpletong abiso hinggil sa mga alternate routes na maaring daanan upang wag dumanas ulit ng malaking abala at sakripisyo sa matinding trapik,” Coloma added.
(Next time we’ll release an earlier and more comprehensive advisory about alternate routes that motorists can take to avoid delays caused by heavy traffic.)
Asked if the heavy traffic, which many netizens complained about, was the fault of the government, Coloma said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority released ITS advisories two weeks before the Edsa celebration.
“Ganunpaman, kinikilala niya (MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino) na pwede namang ma-improve pa ‘yon, at ayon nga sa kanya sa susunod na pagkakataon ay gagawin nila ang nararapat,” the Secretary added.
(Nevertheless, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino recognizes the fact that it can still be improved and according to him they will do what must be done next time.)
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