Traffic in the Philippines has recently been tagged as the fifth worst in the world. The worsening traffic condition has far-ranging adverse effects on our economy in terms of productivity, tourism, fuel consumption, not to mention a host of other woes related to long travel time.
Hence, it is imperative to examine all remedies to alleviate this undesirable state of affairs. It is common knowledge that lack of infrastructure and the volume of mass transit vehicles are major causes of our deplorable traffic problem. These major constraints will take time to address and huge resources will be needed to overcome them.
But it seems that a vital cog in traffic control has not been dealt with seriously and comprehensively despite the Filipino motorist’s lack of discipline—that is, manpower.
As one travels the streets of Metro Manila, readily observable is the lack of traffic enforcers. Even Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino has to direct traffic at times. Street dwellers sometimes are manning intersections. Yet there are so many jobless Filipinos who can easily be hired and trained to do the job.
To effectively control traffic, there must be an adequate and consistent number of enforcers especially at chokepoints and during rush hours.
Case in point; I pass daily along the Villamor rotunda on my way to the office. Four major roads converge on this rotunda which has no traffic lights. At least four traffic enforcers should man this vital chokepoint to ensure smooth traffic flow; but in several instances, there were very few—and sometimes there was none at all.
Traffic gridlock is common in this area. When this happens, congestion extends all the way to Magallanes, Fort Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Merville. It would take at least an hour to untangle the jam.
This brings to mind the concept of outsourcing traffic enforcers through agencies. This idea is nothing new; perhaps it is about time to revisit it. This notion is no different from security and janitorial services. The MMDA and local government units can avail themselves of the services of traffic enforcement agencies on a contractual basis. Enforcers will be deputized to authorize them to issue traffic violation tickets.
This concept has the following advantages:
- Agency traffic enforcers are paid less than permanent employees, with the burden of pension, hospitalization, gratuity and longevity benefits eliminated.
- Job openings will be created and many unemployed Filipinos can be hired.
- Government funds will be channeled to a vital and much-needed public service.
- The deployment of an adequate number of enforcers will be assured.
- Private sector expertise, which is more effective and efficient especially in providing public services, can be harnessed.
Hopefully this concept will be seriously considered by the appropriate authorities.
—BRIG. GEN. LEONARDO LOPEZ, AFP (ret.), leonardoplopez@yahoo.com