Metro traffic will improve, says Abalos

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. expressed his optimism yesterday that traffic in the metropolis will start to improve with the addition of 1,000 "new blood" personnel into its system.

Philippine National Police Directorate for Operations Deputy Director General Edgardo Aglipay recently assigned 400 policemen to the Traffic Enforcement Group.

"The move by General Aglipay will be of great help in improving the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila," Abalos said.

The 400 policemen are currently being trained for traffic enforcement after which they would be deployed in strategic areas all over the metropolis.

On top of the policemen, Abalos has also secured the approval of Malacañang to hire 600 new MMDA traffic enforcers.

Abalos expects the new recruits to help change the image of MMDA traffic enforcers as a "bunch of old, former street sweepers."

The MMDA has started implementing a stringent recruitment policy for the new enforcers.

Applicants have to be between 20 to 30 years old and should have completed two years of college.

Abalos explained that the budget for the hiring of the 600 new recruits will be taken from excess funds brought about by the voluntary retirement of the same number of old employees.

The new recruits will also take the place of the 800 traffic enforcers recently relieved by Abalos.

The 800 traffic enforcers were composed of the old Metro Aides who did not have authority to issue traffic violation receipts. – Marvin Sy