By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Avoid EDSA or lose by default.
That’s former Sen. Ping Lacson’s unsolicited advice to all teams taking part in the FIBA World Cup so they can avoid the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), which is widely known as country’s “hellish” avenue, what with its bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak hours.
The global showpiece, which the country will be co-hosting with Japan and Indonesia, starts on Friday, Aug. 25.
“Friendly advice to the Fiba World Cup participating teams. Don’t take Edsa. You will lose by default,” wrote the former politician and police general on his social media page.
Attached on his post is a photo of bumper-to-bumper traffic, apparently taken at the metropolis’ most congested highway.
Opening games will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan while group matches will take place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Aware of the traffic situation in the metropolis, local organizers assured they have taken measures in order for teams, as well as fans, to travel to the venues with ease.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio even said Gilas Pilipinas and Dominican Republic will travel at the same time for their opening-day match at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“What we are trying to do para walang masabi, iko-convoy naman ‘yung dalawang teams. Kasi baka mauna ‘yung Gilas, mahuli ‘yung Dominican Republic, sabihin nila, sabotage. Dito, (they will travel) at the same time, they will be on the same convoy, they will arrive at the arena at the same time,” said Panlilio.
Organizers have also provided point-to-point buses for free to fans traveling to the Philippine Arena on Friday.
“We want this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience not only for the fans but also for the players who will be competing in the Philippines,” Panlilio said.
