Highway Patrol Group to clear EDSA from sidewalk vendors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Monday vowed to clear EDSA from sidewalk vendors to prevent commuters from staying on the road.

"Sidewalks should be cleared 1.5 meters from the edge... for pedestrians, for everyone. Give us a few more days," HPG Spokesperson Supt. Oliver Tanseco said in an interview with ANC's Headstart.

Tanseco added that it is mandated by law to clear sidewalks for pedestrians. He said that it part of the HPG's suggestion for the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department and Public Works and Highways to add to their tasking.

"The vendors have to learn that there are laws on the land, that we should impose order and with that order and discipline," National Center for Commuter Safety and Protection President Elvira Medina said.

Medina stressed that vendors should be inside the market and not on the sidewalks or even the streets.

She added that the public should be disciplined and should not depend on law enforcers all the time.

"We cannot forever depend on enforcers. In any development program, the enforcement is in the end point," Medina said.

Meanwhile, Tanseco thanked the public for cooperating showing discipline during the HPG's first day of traffic management on EDSA.

The HPG spokesperson also called on the public to show discipline to improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

"The solution to EDSA is not only law enforcement, it's basically chipping in, driving correctly, showing discipline. Let's show the whole world that EDSA is truly Filipino discipline," Tanseco said.

The HPG earlier said that it would adopt a "zero tolerance policy" on all types of motorists cited for traffic violations.