The government
President Aquinohas designated the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) as the lead agency to implement traffic rules in Metro Manila, particularly EDSA. About 96 HPG personnel will be deployed initially in major intersections along EDSA.
The HPGs immediate action would be to implement stricter enforcement on the bus lanes along Edsa; clearing of obstructions on the highway and alternate routes.
The government is well-aware of the worsening traffic problem in Metro Manila, some of which were so bad that travelers missed their scheduled flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Newspaper reported that the past weeks have seen traffic gridlock in the metropolis, particularly on Edsa and C-5 Road. Malacañang has repeatedly apologized to the public for the traffic jams caused by road works as it asked both motorists and commuters to be more patient.
The Highway Patrol Group and the Traffic division of the PNP was the lead unit in traffic management in the country. They were later pulled out in the late 80s because of rampant corruption. The HPG has also been involved in many anomalous encounters with alleged carnapers that resulted to the killings of these suspects. These incidents are under investigation until today. The Highway Patrol Group has developed a reputation based on several incidents that they are involved in. They have become a feared unit in the PNP.
That being said and considering the escalating problem in traffic due mostly to the lack of discipline among our motorist, I wonder if this is such a good idea. Maybe our motorist would now think twice when breaking traffic rules. Maybe this time motorists will no longer disregard these men in uniform. The President should, however, insure the public that he can keep the HPG disciplined, that the law of the land should be implemented due to respect and understanding and not because of fear. This is also an opportunity for the HPG to show the public that they are not what some fear them to be. It is a chance for them to be respected and prove once and for all that they are here to serve and protect.