Palace on traffic mess: Nobody liable for now

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday refused to point fingers as to who should be blamed for Metro Manila's worsening traffic situation.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace will not yet hold to account anyone from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) or local government units for failing to implement measures to mitigate traffic jams.

"Perhaps that can be a discussion for a later time. Right now efforts are concentrated on measures to alleviate the situation," Valte said.

Another Palace official defended the MMDA, saying the agency has not been remiss in its duties.

"The MMDA has carried out its responsibilities in terms of flood control and drainage in collaboration with DPWH that is the lead agency in implementing 20-year flood control master plan," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

"MMDA has also been working with LGUs in clearing road obstructions. The severe traffic congestion that was triggered by heavy rains and flash floods clearly showed the inadequacy of existing road and flood-control infrastructure that will take time to be scaled up,” Coloma added.

Coloma assured motorists and commuters there will no longer be a repeat of Tuesday night’s massive traffic jams caused by heavy rains that flooded the streets.

"Traffic enforcers will also have to work doubly hard to improve their responsiveness such that, if last Tuesday’s situation recurs, normal traffic flow may be restored more expeditiously," he said.