As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares for his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 22, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has affirmed that the number coding scheme in Metro Manila will remain in effect.
This decision comes amidst concerns over potential traffic congestion in Quezon City, where the SONA will be held at the Batasang Pambansa Complex.
According to a report by RH Val Gonzales on Sunday's Rapido Hataw Balita, motorists are advised that the number coding restrictions will cover the entire metropolitan area, including Quezon City.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes emphasized that suspending the number coding scheme could exacerbate traffic conditions by allowing more vehicles on the road.
Under the current number coding rules, vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited from operating on Metro Manila roads from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.
In preparation for Monday’s events, the MMDA has outlined alternate traffic routes and announced plans to deploy 2,000 personnel to assist with traffic management, particularly in Quezon City. These measures are part of efforts to mitigate the expected heavy traffic due to the SONA.
The decision to maintain the number coding scheme underscores the MMDA's commitment to balancing the mobility needs of the public with the necessity of managing traffic flow efficiently, especially during critical events that draw large crowds and media attention like the SONA.
Motorists are urged to plan their routes accordingly and comply with the implemented regulations to help ensure smooth operations throughout the metropolitan area.
