MMDA welcomes PNP-HPG takeover of EDSA traffic

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has welcomed the order of President Benigno Aquino III for the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to takeover the traffic management along the stretch of EDSA.

 

"I certainly welcome HPG to take the lead in managing EDSA. It's all about cooperation among government agencies to better supervise vehicular flow on the busiest route in Metro Manila," MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said.

 

Tolentino said the number of vehicles using the major thoroughfare has been steadily increasing.

 

"We at MMDA have been trying our best to manage traffic on EDSA especially during rush hours through various schemes. The cooperation of the public is most welcome in this endeavor," he said.

 

Tolentino had earlier met with Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras to discuss the details of the President’s directive. 

 

He said the MMDA has started training PNP-HPG personnel on traffic management, traffic direction, control and supervision, traffic law enforcement, basics of road safety, traffic accident investigation, road incident management, traffic engineering and administrative rules and regulations.

 

Under the President’ order, the priority will be to clear six choke points on EDSA - Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe and Taft Avenue.

 

Tolentino said MMDA will be on hand to assist HPG in vehicular accidents or cases of stalled vehicles.

 

"Our MMDA personnel will always be there to help the HPG. The President’s vision is to ease traffic on EDSA and the MMDA fully supports his directive. I appeal to the public for their cooperation," he said. 

 

The deployment of PNP-HPG personnel along EDSA will start on Sept. 7.