Despite monster jams, Palace says traffic decongestion 'effective'

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - For Malacañang, the new traffic management on EDSA has been "effective" despite the congestion on Tuesday night that stranded motorists and commuters for hours.

In a statement sent to reporters, Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras cited the "hard work and continuous efforts" of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) "for working together in order to address the traffic situation in Metro Manila."

On the orders of President Aquino, members of the HPG started managing traffic on EDSA on Monday.

As the lead traffic law enforcement agency on EDSA, the HPG was tasked to clear six major choke points by implementing stricter enforcement of the bus lanes and by clearing obstructions and alternative routes.

"The past two days are proof that the initial steps being taken to ease the traffic situation were effective, and government will continue to strive to improve our interaction and interoperability among concerned government agencies," Almendras said.

Almendras was tasked by Aquino to coordinate and integrate all Cabinet policies and actions pertaining to addressing the traffic problem in the metro.

On Tuesday night, a sudden downpour flooded various roads in Metro Manila, leaving hundreds of motorists and commuters stranded.

Apart from EDSA, reports said people were also stuck for several hours in other major thoroughfares such as C-5, Osmena Highway, Elliptical Road, Commonwealth, Katipunan and Taft Avenue, among others.

Almendras said the traffic problem is complex and requires the "whole of government" approach.

He said other agencies are involved in addressing the traffic mess such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation and Communication, Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Almendras asked motorists to help the government in easing the traffic congestion.

"We continue to appeal to the public for their cooperation in following traffic rules and regulations that greatly impacts traffic flow and management," he said.