LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Acting Chairman Greg Pua Jr. ordered regional offices on Saturday to coordinate with expressway operators for timely dissemination of information concerning traffic disruptions.
The directive covers Region 1 (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway), Region 3 (Subic-Clark-Tarlac and North Luzon Expressway, or NLEx), and Metro Manila and Region 4A (South Luzon Expressway, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road and Cavite-Laguna Expressway).
Severe rainfall brought by monsoon weather frequently causes the Pampanga River to overflow into low-lying areas, overwhelming drainage capacities in the San Simon segment of the NLEx. Recently, investigations revealed that breached river dikes, combined with remaining soil and construction debris blocking local waterways, prevented floodwaters from naturally receding. As a result, the deep standing water consistently submerges the roadway near the Tulaoc Bridge, creating severe bottlenecks and multi-kilometer traffic delays.
”Our priority has always been the welfare of passengers and the uninterrupted delivery of goods to the Filipino people. The NLEx incident is a wake-up call for the LTFRB and other agencies to step up and implement measures that maximize public assistance,” Pua said.
The LTFRB, he said, is pursuing a two-pronged approach: first, intensifying information dissemination to transport operators and commuters; and second, mapping out alternative routes for worst-case scenarios.
”No motorist or commuter wants to be trapped in hours-long traffic, and both strategies are essential for enabling travelers to plan their journeys ahead,” Pua added, noting digital technology plays a critical role in keeping the public informed.
