Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Now more than ever, it is becoming clear that when you direct all the power and resources of government towards a major problem like traffic, things can start to happen, and the desired outcome can be accomplished. First and foremost is the removal of the obstructions along a major thoroughfare like EDSA, then the same for the other tributaries along the way especially around Mandaluyong. And when you get a major artery like EDSA flowing even if it’s slow, then the rest will follow. This of course is just a first step. The Philippines has the 5th worst traffic in the world with international traffic experts saying that Metro Manila has one of the worst undisciplined drivers. This is where government comes in and makes sure there will be no exceptions to the rule with traffic violators.

When you think about it, this is really what the people are asking for – to see the government doing its job. The mantra of daang matuwid in fighting corruption is well and good, but it also means strictly implementing rules in all fronts especially when it comes to traffic. When people are suffering and having a hard time because they are stuck on the road – they don’t mind following these rules as long as everybody does it, too. What matters to people now is getting to work on time so they can get paid and have the means to put food on the table.

Earlier this week, some friends told me they were very surprised that there was “practically no traffic” along EDSA with the cars traveling up to 60 kilometers per hour starting from the bridge past Guadalupe in Makati to Main Avenue in Quezon City. The other day, we also heard reports that the flow of vehicles along the Balintawak area – a known chokepoint – was surprisingly moderate, with DPWH Secretary Babes Singson himself supervising the clearing of illegal structures and other obstructions on sidewalks. Babes Singson is one of the best “performing assets” in the Aquino administration. Properly supported, he will do the job and do it well.

In fairness to MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, he does not have the power and authority to solve the gargantuan traffic problem. Remember, he can only persuade local governments to cooperate. EDSA was designed to accommodate an average of 300,000 vehicles per day – but today, more than half a million cars, trucks and other vehicles ply the whole 23.8 kilometers – which could tell you the domino effect that one vehicular accident could make on the whole stretch. Add to that the undisciplined drivers – especially bus drivers – who hog the road or stop in the middle lane to drop off or wait for passengers, delaying the other vehicles.

The cost of traffic is immeasurable not only in terms of economic costs but health costs due to the illnesses that are either caused or exacerbated by traffic (such as urinary tract infection, lung-related illnesses, heart problems) and more importantly, the social cost. Fathers hardly see their children anymore because they leave very early – some as early as 4 a.m. while the children are still fast asleep – to get to work at 7 a.m. At night, it’s the same story, with the father arriving when the children have already gone to bed because he left late to avoid getting stuck in traffic during rush hour. We’ve also heard sad stories about young students who were dropped out of their school because they were either always late or just hardly had the time to study or even finish term papers – all because of traffic. In fact, a doctor told me that inhaling too much carbon monoxide due to traffic could alter memory brain functions.

The president has ordered the Highway Patrol Group of the Philippine National Police to take over the management of traffic in EDSA – acknowledged as the busiest and most problematic major thoroughfare in Metro Manila if not the entire country. Close to a hundred HPG men will be deployed along major chokepoints in EDSA from Caloocan to Pasay, specifically Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe and Taft Avenue – and they have been given their marching orders not only to direct traffic but to also apprehend “pasaway” (undisciplined and unruly) drivers, and get rid of illegal terminals.

People are expecting the HPG operatives to make good on their promise that they will apply “zero tolerance” for traffic violators – with no exception to the rule. This means they will not allow errant drivers off the hook even if they are shown specially signed cards from officials – like an unknown  model who showed a calling card supposedly from a PNP general saying “Please extend assistance to my EA” to avoid apprehension.

As usual, there are those who see the glass as half-empty instead of half-full, saying the new directive will be an income-earning opportunity for corrupt policemen. Some have even nicknamed the HPG as the “Highway Patong Group” because of some bad eggs who mulct from bus drivers and collect “protection” money from bus operators.  But that’s entirely the whole point – people should also do their part in helping solve the traffic mess that is making life hell for everybody by obeying traffic rules and not bribe their way out of a traffic violation. It’s a two-way traffic, so to speak. Many are simply gratified to see the government finally utilizing its powers and displaying political will to get things moving – literally. We can only hope this is the beginning of the (long) road ahead in solving Metro Manila’s perennial traffic problem.

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