MMDA chief: HPG takeover not a sign of weakness

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino on Thursday insisted that the taking over of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in enforcing traffic rules on EDSA is not a sign of weakness for his agency.

Tolentino admitted during an interview with ANC's Headstart that the MMDA has to reach out to other organizations in order to improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila.

"This is not a sign of weakness but I think this is a kind of organizational humility, so to speak, that one organization cannot do it alone," Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief cited the partnership of the MMDA and the HPG in securing Pope Francis during his visit to the country last January.

"We did that very seamless coordination, the Pope was safe," the MMDA chief added.

Tolentino said that the MMDA will continue to support the HPG in implementing traffic rules in Metro Manila and clearing the six identified "choke points" along EDSA.

On the other hand, Tolentino reminded his critics that the MMDA is not the sole agency in charge of mass transport assistance.

"They should realize that this is not just one organization in charge... They should view it in a wider perspective," Tolentino said.

President Benigno Aquino designated the HPG to serve as the lead traffic law enforcement agency on EDSA. The HPG started to take over traffic management on EDSA last Monday.

RELATED: HPG gets donations for traffic improvement | SAF sends men to reinforce HPG on EDSA