The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority clarified that the footage from its closed circuit television (CCTV) camera which captured an SUV with ‘7’ protocol plate using the EDSA busway last November 3 was not withheld and requesting parties were given copies, aware that the incident needs to be attended and addressed immediately.
According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, the agency took into full consideration the urgency of the matter.
“The MMDA did not withhold or try to hide something from the incident.”
“The MMDA did not withhold or try to hide something from the incident. In fact, we’ve granted the Department of Transportation – Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTR-SAICT) request for the said CCTV footage on the same day and had also provided the same for the DOTR, Land Transportation Office, and the office of Senator Raffy Tulfo, thru his staff Atty. Angel Marasigan, on the next day, November 4. All of the requests were provided in minutes’ time,” Artes explained.
According to the MMDA chief, he had already clarified the apparent miscommunication with Tulfo and the latter has requested for the further review of the footage to verify from what area of the busway did the SUV entered and exited and if re-entered the busway after its apprehension.
“MMDA has no more personnel deployed in the busway.”
He likewise reiterated that MMDA has no more personnel deployed in the busway as it has withdrawn all of its traffic personnel assigned in the busway effective June 30.
Therefore, the management of the EDSA busway was transferred exclusively to the DOTR-SAICT, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The MMDA’s decision to withdraw its personnel assigned in the EDSA busway was due to the need of the agency to augment its personnel deployment in consideration of the rerouting brought upon by the ongoing rehabilitation of flyovers and bridges along EDSA.
Artes said that the agency is committed to its mandate and endeavors, geared towards improving and upgrading traffic and transport management in Metro Manila.
“The MMDA has remained steadfast and dedicated to its mission of providing just public service and has always aspired to hold its position of impartiality in all of the issues that it has faced, true to its core values of being Marangal, Matapat, and Disiplinado,” he concluded.
