MANILA, Philippines -- The Metro Manila Council has approved a resolution requesting Congress to grant the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority a franchise to operate a radio station that will constantly air updates on the traffic situation on major roads.

Actually, the MMDA already operates such a radio station but its old franchise has expired.

In a meeting this week, the MMC officially sanctioned the MMDA’s application for a new franchise to continue operating the MMDA Traffic AM radio station, which has been on the air since late last year.

The MMC consists of the mayors in Metro Manila and their duly authorized representatives.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando explained that the traffic radio station helps the agency in traffic and transport management, flood control, solid waste management, health and environmental improvement, and public safety.

He added that the radio station serves as a conduit for the MMDA's services and helps inform people about its latest programs and projects.

“The radio station is unique in the sense that it is devoted mostly to traffic, non-commercial, and motorists and the general public would know first-hand and real time from our enforcers which roads are hassle-free before they go to their destination,” Fernando said.

He described the traffic radio as a “road show” with anchors and traffic enforcers offering tips to motorists on traffic situations, road conditions, and road courtesy and safety.

The traffic radio closely coordinates with the MMDA's Traffic Operations Center, civic volunteer organizations, and its own production staff.

The airing rights of the MMDA 1206 Traffic Radio – 1206 on the AM radio dial -- was previously leased to the Banahaw Broadcasting Company, which was under the control of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

Fernando explained that the lease has already lapsed, requiring the MMDA to apply for a new franchise.

Fernando pointed out that Republic Act 7924 strengthening the MMDA required the dissemination of information to help ensure the people's compliance with MMDA regulations.

“The radio station will play a vital role in ensuring the compliance to our agency's measures, which are meant to address traffic congestion and environmental concerns, as well as other risks,” Fernando added.

Last week, the MMDA's franchise application for the traffic radio went through rough sailing after some lawmakers expressed concern that Fernando might use it for his own political purposes.

Fernando, a known administration ally, has made no secret that he is planning to run for President in the 2010 elections.

The House committee on legislative franchise deferred its deliberations on the MMDA's application in the absence of an MMC approval of MMDA’s plan to operate the station. .

The MMC resolution stated that the traffic radio will be used solely for information dissemination on the MMDA's metro-wide services, and not for political advertisements.