President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument during the commemorative activities of the 29th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and catapulted the late Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. also in photo are Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr., EPPC commissioner Cesar Sarino and EPPC commissioner Herminio “Ogie” Alcasid, Jr.. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The government will try its best to prevent massive traffic jams similar to what happened during the celebration of the 29th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Uprising, Malacañang said Thursday.
“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga kababayan na naipit sa traffic dulot ng pagsasara ng mga daan kahapon,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Palace briefing.
(We apologize to our citizens who were caught up in traffic caused by the closure of roads yesterday.)
Many Filipinos were either stuck in traffic or were forced to walk several blocks on Wednesday after parts of Edsa and other roads were closed for the said celebration.
“Sa susunod na pagkakataon maglalabas ng mas maaga at mas kumpletong abiso hinggil sa mga alternate routes na maaring daanan upang wag dumanas ulit ng malaking abala at sakripisyo sa matinding trapik,” Coloma added.
(Next time we’ll release an earlier and more comprehensive advisory about alternate routes that motorists can take to avoid delays caused by heavy traffic.)
Asked if the heavy traffic, which many netizens complained about, was the fault of the government, Coloma said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority released their advisories two weeks before the Edsa celebration.
“Ganunpaman, kinikilala niya (MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino) na pwede namang ma-improve pa ‘yon, at ayon nga sa kanya sa susunod na pagkakataon ay gagawin nila ang nararapat,” the Secretary added.
(Nevertheless, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino recognizes the fact that it can still be improved and according to him they will do what must be done next time.) (MNS)