Manila traffic bureau implements 'no apprehension during rush hour'

Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan has ordered on Friday, August 10, the immediate implementation of "no apprehension during rush hour" policy in the streets of Manila. 

Lacuna-Pangan gave the order to the new Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) chief, Narciso Diokno III, as she wants to spare motorists from apprehension during rush hours to prevent any delay as they go to their respective places of destination.

The rush hours covered in the policy are from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the morning and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the evening.

The lady mayor had stressed that during these hours, most people are rushing to their respective offices or workplaces, and subjecting the motorists to apprehension will further cause them delay.

The local chief executive also clarified that the "no apprehension during rush hour" does not mean that motorists can commit traffic violations wantonly, especially along major ones.

The directive was announced by the new MTPB chief. He said the mayor notes that employees and students going to their schools or offices will be unduly delayed if they are subjected to apprehensions especially for minor offenses.

"Papasok ang mga empleyado, mga estudyante sa kani-kaniyang eskwela o opisina. Kung manghuhuli ang traffic enforcer, lalo lang magkaka-traffic traffic (Employees, students will go to their respective schools or offices. If a traffic enforcer apprehends them, there will only be more traffic)," Diokno said.

According to him, the mayor's order is for the MTPB to continue conducting traffic direction and control, making sure that the flow of traffic during rush hour is smooth or free from any congestion.

Diokno said all enforcers are bound by the directive and that those who will violate the order will be dealt with accordingly.