HPG chief: Mabuhay Lanes not just for Christmas season

The Mabuhay Lanes are not only for the Christmas season, but are permanent alternate routes for car owners who want to avoid EDSA.

Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao, director of the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group (HPG), said that the Mabuhay Lanes are being cleared as part of efforts to decongest EDSA.

"Hindi lang po pang Christmas iyan. Para lalong luluwag ang EDSA ay kailangang linisin ang Mabuhay Lanes," Gunnacao said during an interview on News To Go.

He said that the HPG and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been promoting the Mabuhay Lanes since September.

"Kung alam lang ng mga mamayan sana na ito ang magagandang daanan ay mababawasan ang mga sasakayan sa EDSA," Gunnacao added.

GMA News Online has created an interactive map of the Mabuhay Lanes. 

All obstructions

Gunnacao also clarified during the interview that stores and eateries on the Mabuhay Lanes will also be cleared by the MMDA and the HPG.

"Lahat po ng obstruction: illegally parked na sasakyan, tindahan na wala sa puwesto, mga construction at pati mga karatula, tinatanggal po natin," the HPG chief said.

The Mabuhay Lanes were opened by the MMDA and the HPG on November 1.

Gunnacao said that those who will insist on parking their vehicles on the Mabuhay Lanes will be fined with P2,000.

He added that they are prepared to tow the same vehicle everyday to prove to the car owner that they are seriously implementing the no parking policy on the Mabuhay Lanes.

"Araw araw naming hihilahin. Sila rin ho ang mapeperwisyo pag hindi sila sumunod," he said.

He said that owners of the towed vehicles will be fined P2,000. —ALG, GMA News