Gov’t praises PNP-HPG over ‘effective’ EDSA traffic control

Despite the heavy traffic experienced by motorists and commuters along EDSA Tuesday night, the government commended the PNP–Highway Patrol Group for its “hard work and continuous efforts” to address the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

 

Upon the instructions of President Benigno Aquino III, the PNP-HPG took over the management of traffic along EDSA starting this week.

 

In a statement, Jose Almendras, Secretary to the Cabinet, said the past two days show the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to decongest traffic. 

 

“The past two days are proof that the initial steps being taken to ease the traffic situation were effective, and [the] government will continue to strive to improve our interaction and interoperability among concerned government agencies,” he said.

 

“We continue to appeal to the public for their cooperation in following traffic rules and regulations that greatly impacts traffic flow and management,” Almendras added.

Almendras said solving traffic problems requires the “whole of government” approach, which would entail the cooperation of other agencies. 

 

On Tuesday night, netizens took to social media to complain about the traffic congestion along EDSA after a heavy downpour flooded several streets in Metro Manila.

Earlier in the day, the spokesperson of the PNP-HPG admitted that they themselves were caught off guard by the sudden heavy downpour which affected motorists and commuters alike.