Unannounced papal visit dry run snarls traffic

MANILA, Philippines - A dry run for the papal visit, without notifying the public and with no traffic enforcers around, caused horrendous traffic jams in the city of Manila yesterday.

The dry run was conducted at the Quirino Grandstand during the afternoon window for trucks to come out and lasted through the evening rush hour.

Southbound vehicles found to their dismay that Bonifacio Drive from Anda Circle going to Roxas Boulevard had suddenly been closed to traffic.

Also taking a detour were trucks rushing to and from the Port of Manila for the last full working day of the week in this city.

“It’s absolute chaos,” one exasperated motorist complained. “If this is the kind of planning they have for the papal visit, we’re headed for disaster.”

Among those at the dry run were Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson and former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.