Palace says cops on EDSA not a snub of MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday defended its decision to field members of the Philippine National Police's Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to man the traffic along EDSA.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the move does not imply President Benigno Aquino III's dissatisfaction with the performance of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Lacierda said the president felt the need to have more hands on deck in addressing the traffic along the major thoroughfare.

He added that cops as highway patrol "have the means and the resources" to go after traffic violators.

Lacierda also countered fears of corruption upon redeployment of HPG personnel on EDSA.

"Certainly, we will not tolerate corruption. If somebody would ask bribe, please don't hesitate to tell us," Lacierda said.

Lacierda vowed that the government will monitor all activities, including wrongdoings of traffic enforcers since EDSA is watched by surveillance cameras.

"So I think that's, at the very least, a protection on our motorists. That, if there [is] any wrongdoing by any agents of authority, that will be an evidence," Lacierda said.

As the Palace proposed ways to address the traffic snarl in Metro Manila, the Aquino administration remains optimistic and determined to resolve the traffic woes, he said.

"We're going to resolve the issue of traffic. It's a holistic approach," Lacierda said.

Lacierda also noted that ongoing constructions in Metro Manila contributed to the congestion of roads.