The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday announced the approval of a resolution exempting fuel trucks and delivery vehicles carrying essential goods from the region’s number coding and truck ban policies, citing the need to ensure a steady supply amid rising global oil prices.
The policy-making Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of mayors across the National Capital Region (NCR), passed the measure during its regular meeting, which was attended by local chief executives, MMDA officials, and other stakeholders, according to MMDA.
Under the resolution, trucks transporting petroleum products and basic commodities will be exempted from the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme, as well as from existing truck ban regulations. The MMDA said the move comes in response to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have contributed to the surge in fuel prices.
MMDA Chairperson Don Artes said the resolution was prompted by requests from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), both of which emphasized the urgency of facilitating the swift delivery of fuel and essential goods.
“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” Artes said during the council meeting held at the MMDA head office in Pasig City.
“The MMDA is in close coordination with the DTI, which will identify the essential goods that will qualify for the exemptions,” the MMDA added.
The resolution will take effect immediately upon publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
In a related development, the MMDA also announced the suspension of the number coding scheme starting 12 p.m. on April 1 until April 3 in observance of Holy Week. The scheme is automatically lifted on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, both regular holidays.
For the Holy Week exodus, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency will deploy 2,476 personnel across major roads, transport terminals, seaports, airports, and other key areas in the NCR to ensure public safety and convenience.
“We will enforce a no day-off and no-absent policy for all traffic and field personnel when heavy traffic is expected due to the Holy Week exodus,” Torre said during a press briefing.
The agency also confirmed that provincial buses will be allowed to traverse EDSA from 9 p.m. on April 1 until 6 a.m. on April 6. Buses coming from southern provinces will terminate at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), while those from the north will end their trips at terminals in Cubao.
