QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) targets to fully implement the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Policy along EDSA on August 23 amid mounting calls to suspend its implementation even from among lawmakers.
Buhay Partylist Representative Lito Atienza said, the MMDA should think of other ways to address the worsening traffic in the said major thoroughfare instead of implementing policies that would only burden the public more.
Some senators have earlier filed a resolution urging the agency to halt the policy’s enforcement, citing lack of public consultation and concerns on its efficacy.
The MMDA, in response, assures compliance if it receives an official order to suspend the scheme.
“Walang problema po. Susunod po kami kung ano po ang sinasabi sa batas. Sa amin po kung iyan ay dadalhin nila sa korte, siyempre sa stand namin kami ang tama. Sa stand nila, pwedeng sila ang tama. It’s not us to judge kung sino ang tama sa amin,” MMDA General Manager Jose Arturo Garcia.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Thursday also assured that the MMDA is open to amending the HOV traffic scheme, citing confirmation from
MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim that feedback from the public on the new policy will be reviewed by the Metro Manila Council.
Go said he trusts that all 17 mayors in Metro Manila will be able to arrive at an acceptable decision on the HOV.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, meanwhile, said the Palace is appealing to the public to give the HOV policy a chance to see if it is effective in addressing heavy traffic on EDSA.
“Let’s give it a chance. Lahat naman po ini-explore natin para magkaroon ng solusyon sa problema ng traffic,” he said.
GRAB Philippines, meanwhile, plans to set a dialogue with the MMDA to clarify the policy’s provisions. – Joan Nano / Marje Pelayo
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