MANILA, Sept. 6 (PNA) — Malacanang reminded the public on Sunday that stricter traffic rules will be imposed on Monday, once the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) officially takes the lead in managing the traffic along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
“Isa sa mahalagang ipatutupad ay ang mahigpit na pag-obserba doon sa bus lane. Dapat ang ating mga bus ay nandoon lamang sa loob ng bus lanes o ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘yellow lane’,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
“Ayon din sa pinuno ng PNP-HPG, si Chief Superintendent Arnold Gunnacao, mahigpit na ipatutupad ng HPG ang 30-second rule sa pagsakay at pagbaba ng mga bus ng kanilang mga pasahero sa EDSA, at pananatilihin ang ‘no contact apprehension’ sa pamamagitan ng video documentation ng mga motoristang lumalabag sa mga umiiral na batas at regulasyon sa EDSA,” Coloma added.
The Communications Secretary noted that the PNP-HPG will now take a lead role in managing the traffic along EDSA after a consensus was made by all concerned government agencies.
However, the Metro Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will still assist the PNP-HPG.
Coloma also said that provincial buses going to Southern Luzon will be rerouted beginning Monday (Sept. 7).
The rerouting will involve buses based in Cubao and Kamuning, Quezon City bound for Bicol and Quezon Province, as well as other bus companies using the South Luzon Expressway.
All concerned buses shall take the EDSA route from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. toward P. Tuazon Ave. and turning to C-5 until they reach the South Expressway, proceeding to their destination.
“Inaasahan natin na ito ay makakatulong sa pagbabawas ng congestion sa EDSA,” said Coloma.
Coloma also asked for the cooperation of motorists in following traffic rules and for them to maintain discipline. (PNA)