MANILA, Sept. 5 (PNA) — Designating a traffic czar is not necessary and the government believes that a coordinated effort among government agencies could solve the traffic congestion problem in Metro Manila, a Palace official said.
In a radio interview on Saturday, reporters asked Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr about the need to appoint a Cabinet-level traffic czar to remedy the traffic congestion problem in Metro Manila.
Coloma told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan that in the executive branch, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras acts as the coordinator among government agencies.
“Mainam siguro tingnan natin ang sitwasyon at unawain natin na sa mga malalaking problema katulad nito, ang mahalaga ay ang unified action and integrated planning, at effective implementation ng mga action plans,” he said.
“Hindi mahalaga kung sino ang boss dahil ang boss naman talaga rito ay ang mamamayang Pilipino na pinaglilingkuran ng pamahalaan.”
“‘Ang tunay na kapangyarihan dito ay manggagaling sa will power ng sama-samang pagkilos ng mga mamamayan.”
What’s important is how the government coordinates its efforts with the other stakeholders like civil societ, the business community, port users, road users, and the general public, he added.
“Lahat po tayo ay sangkot at may lahok po tayo diyan sa pagresolba ng problema.”
On Monday, the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will be the lead enforcer of traffic rules to remove chokepoints along EDSA.
The PNP will concentrate on easing six chokepoints in EDSA such as Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, and Taft Avenue going to Roxas Boulevard in Pasay.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has started its work, Coloma said, putting up markers and concrete dividers, for dedicated bus lanes.
Metro Manila Development Authority and the DPWH are already clearing sidewalks to remove obstructions and barriers.
MMDA traffic enforcers, who previously manned EDSA, will be transferred to Roxas Boulevard, C-5 and other major thoroughfares, Coloma said.
Some MMDA traffic enforcers will be retained in EDSA to help the Highway Patrol Group in decongesting the identified major chokepoints along the major thoroughfare.
Also, traffic enforcers from the Land Transportation Office as well as from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will assist in managing EDSA. (PNA)
RMA/PND/SSC
