Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto “Boysie” Rosales has shown his firm resolve to improve the traffic situation in the city by leading traffic officials in the dismantling of all illegal terminals of public utility vehicles.
These illegal terminals are one of the causes of perennial traffic problems in Manila as FX taxis, buses and jeepneys use public roads to pick up and unload passengers, thus blocking the smooth flow of traffic, according to Rosales.
Motorists and commuters complain that drivers of public utility vehicles, with the blessing of corrupt traffic policemen and barangay officials, illegally park their vehicles in non-designated areas to pick up passengers. There are reports that even some City Hall officials tolerate these illegal terminals in exchange for grease money coming from its operators.
“I want all illegal terminals in Manila phased out. I am warning illegal operators that they face the full force of the law if they insist in maintaining terminals which are not specified by the Manila Parking and Traffic Bureau,” Rosales said.
In compliance with the directive of Rosales, traffic officials led by Superintendent Roberto dela Rosa cleared the areas of Liwasang Bonifacio in Ermita, Tayuman in Sta. Cruz, Dimasalang, Laong-Laan and Mendiola in Sampaloc, Divisoria and Binondo of all vehicles parked in identified illegal terminals.
Rosales and Dela Rosa also cleared the Dangwa street in Sampaloc of parked vehicles. Dangwa street, known as the “flower center” of Manila, is usually clogged with vehicles bringing myriads of customers looking for cheap plants and flowers. The area is again expected to literally jam with people and vehicles as All Saints’ Day draws near.
Rosales said he will augment the traffic personnel not only for traffic management but also for police visibility and first responder against street crimes.