Odd-even scheme to be discussed thoroughly – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Nothing is final yet on the odd-even scheme floated by President Aquino even as transport groups and other sectors expressed their opposition to the vehicular traffic plan, Malacañang stressed yesterday.

“Certainly it will be discussed thoroughly before it will be implemented,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

She said the designation of a traffic czar as suggested by a business group would still have to be discussed with the President.

On Friday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. assured the public that even as the President raised the odd-even scheme as a radical solution to the current traffic problems, all proposals would be studied first to come up with a complete plan of action.

“What’s important here is the immediate response and action that the government is doing,” Coloma said.

Transport groups said an odd-even scheme would greatly affect their livelihood as public utility vehicle drivers and operators because the scheme would keep them off the streets three days a week.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) also offered the government several remedies, among them the appointment of Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras as traffic czar.

Coloma, however, said they do not see the need for a traffic czar to deal with the traffic situation in Metro Manila, saying concerned government agencies should be enough for now.

Coloma added Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino was still enjoying the trust and confidence of Aquino amid heavy criticisms against the traffic condition in the metropolis. 

He said the President had tasked Almendras to consult with all stakeholders and put together all proposals to solve traffic woes in Metro Manila. 

Coloma said it would be best to give the concerned government agencies the opportunity to do their jobs first.

“You will notice that in every opportunity, the government is striving to have a unified and integrated way to make the solutions being presented more effective and to improve public service,” Coloma said.