Palace urges public: Give HPG a chance to man traffic on Edsa

Will HPG personnel be able to do something about the traffic situation on Edsa. Palace says give them a chance. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Malacañang on Thursday asked the public to give the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) in taking the lead in managing traffic amid apprehensions on its implementation.

“Maging positibo sana ang pananaw natin dahil mas makakatulong sa solusyon ang pakikiisa ng mga mamamayan (Let’s be positive because if we are cooperative, we can solve our problems),” Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said in a press briefing.

Starting Monday, the PNP-HPG personnel will man the vehicular traffic along Edsa, Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare.

READ: HPG to lead traffic law enforcement on Edsa | HPG hopes to bring back order on Edsa

This move ordered by President Benigno Aquino III is seen to solve traffic jams, get rid of illegal terminals and apprehend undisciplined drivers.

Managing traffic used to be the role of the Metro Manila Development Authority under its Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Armed PNP-HPG personnel will be joining the MMDA traffic enforcers on six chokepoints in Edsa— Balintawak in Caloocan City, Cubao in Quezon City, Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City, Guadalupe in Makati City and Taft Avenue in Pasay City.

READ: Armed cops to man Edsa traffic

“Bantayan at isumbong kung may pag abuso para madisiplina. Bigyan ng pagkakataon ang PNP-HPG na maging epektibong tagapagtupad ng batas trapiko,” Coloma said.

(Watch and report the abusive personnel so they may be disciplined. But give the PNP-HPG a chance to effectively implement traffic regulations.) Frances Mangosing/IDL