PNoy names new MMDA chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III appointed a new Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair replacing senatorial aspirant Francis Tolentino.

Aquino said lawyer Emerson Carlos, the former assistant general manager for operations of the MMDA, is the new head of the agency.

With a new MMDA chief at the helm, Aquino assured that the government will continue to address Metro Manila's traffic problem.

"Lahat ng magagawa natin pinipilit nating mangyari dahil ambisyon nga natin wala nang maipasang problema sa susunod," Aquino said.

The president also denied accusations that he is insensitive to the plight of motorists and commuters.

"Kagabi dinaanan ko 'yung EDSA, nakita kung gaano talaga, parang feel na feel ko 'yung traffic na dinadaanan ng ating mga kababayan. Kada lalabas ako sa Malacañang, maski umaga pinapansin ko lahat ng lugar na may traffic," he said.

Aquino maintained that Metro Manila's traffic condition has worsened because of the increasing number of vehicles.

He said 18,000 vehicles are plying EDSA every hour, way beyond the thoroughfare's capacity of 13,600 cars.

Aquino claimed that the administration has come up with long-term solutions and the infrastructure needed to solve the metro's traffic woes.

"Halos every other week yata meron kaming meeting ng traffic e. Si [Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras] ang isang nakatutok rin dito sa traffic situation," Aquino said.

"Parang sa linggo mga once or twice ko na lang siya nakikita dahil traffic nga sa labas, hinahanapan ng dagdag pang makuha nating solusyon dito sa problemang ito," he added.