HPG assures public of measure vs ‘kotong’

A pleasant day to all the staff of the Inquirer, the most widely read broadsheet in the country.

This refers to former senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.’s letter titled “HPG should be more cautions in its statements” (Opinion, 9/17/15). We respect the former senator’s opinion regarding traffic management, particularly, the ongoing effort of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to address the traffic woes on Edsa.

One of the measures that we have been implementing to ensure that our personnel properly perform their duties in managing traffic on Edsa is to minimize the interaction between those issuing violation tickets and the erring motorists. Nevertheless, we have given specific instructions to our personnel to politely tell erring drivers of their violation; the valid reasons for issuing the traffic violation ticket; and, if the drivers intend to contest the issuance of such ticket, to bring the matter to the adjudication board of the issuing authority/office. We have also directed our personnel to refrain from discussing any other matters not related to such violation.

This measure is meant specifically to address the alleged practice by some traffic enforcers in the past of deliberately delaying the issuance of violation tickets in the hope that erring drivers would instead offer to “settle the matter” in exchange for a certain amount.

Rest assured of our continuing assistance in areas of mutual concern.

—ARNOLD D. GUNNACAO, police chief superintendent and director, Highway Patrol Group