Palace: Sorry for heavy traffic during EDSA 1 anniversary

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Thursday apologized to the public for the heavy traffic along EDSA caused by the activities for the 29th anniversary of the first People Power Revolution.

"Hinihingi namin ang kanilang paumanhin sa pagkabalam ng kanilang pagbibiyahe. Hinihingi rin ang kanilang pag-unawa. At siguro marami tayong leksyon na napulot doon katulad nga ng inyong suhestyon," Communications Secretry Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a television interview.

The northbound lane of EDSA, from Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong to Boni Serrano street in Quezon City were closed from morning to afternoon on Thursday as President Aquino led the activities at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and at the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas.

The road closure caused massive traffic jams in some parts of the metropolis and commuters, mostly office workers, were stranded as early as 6 a.m.

Motorists complained that it took them several hours to reach their destination because the alternate routes were also congested.

Coloma said local government units could have declared February 25 a holiday.

"Iyon namang pagdedeklara ng holiday, puwede namang isagawa iyan ng mga lokal na otoridad din. Kaya siguro iyan ang isasaalang-alang natin para maiwasan na iyang ganyang problema sa susunod na taon," he said.

The Palace official said the suggestions of the public will be taken into consideration for the 30th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution next year.

Coloma belied a newspaper columnist who said President Aquino refused to declare yesterday a holiday fearing that employees who did not work will join the protests against him.

"Walang batayan at walang katotohanan. Dahil balik-tanawin lang natin. Talaga namang school holiday lang po iyan. Hindi naman po talaga dinedeklara na non-working holiday para sa lahat. Wala pong batayan ang kanyang paratang," he said.

READ: Filipinos rant about 'traffic Armageddon' on People Power anniversary