Traffic on EDSA near the Kamuning Avenue flyover is heavy again on Tuesday after the long, 5-day holiday amid the visit of Pope Francis. Despite some roads being closed for motorcades during the papal visit, the holidays kept traffic light in the metropolis. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – “Isang buwan lang.”
Former traffic czar Romeo Maganto on Saturday said he can solve the worsening traffic situation on EDSA and other roads in Metro Manila within a month.
Maganto, a retired police general, was appointed traffic czar during the Ramos administration.
He said he can ease the plight of motorists and commuters, who have been complaining of congested roads and inefficient transport systems.
That is, he said, if he is appointed traffic manager by Malacañang.
“Ito’y medyo may konting kayabangan pero kaya ko namang gawin eh… Kung may magagawa tayo sa ating mga kababayan at nakikita nating makakaya naman natin, why not do it?” Maganto said.
“I am challenging Malacañang, assign me as your traffic manager… I will solve the traffic problem within a month’s time. Isang buwan lang. Pag hindi ko nagawa I will resign the following day.”
Maganto managed the traffic during the construction of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) along EDSA in 1995 as well as during the papal visit of Saint Pope John Paul II that same year.
He was also the first to implement the color coding traffic scheme.
Since Monday, traffic management duties on EDSA have been handled by the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).
The HPG continues to be supported by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), as well as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). (MNS)