MANILA, Philippines--To prevent traffic snarls and disorder in the streets, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has called on political parties to coordinate with the agency before organizing motorcades or political gatherings on Edsa and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

With the start of the campaign period for candidates seeking national posts, MMDA Chair Oscar Inocentes Tuesday asked organizers to inform the Tactical Operation Center (TOC) beforehand of any political meetings being planned in the metropolis.

He also urged them to strictly observe traffic rules and regulations during these gatherings.

?It is well within their right to conduct their campaign activities but if these will bring about chaos in the streets, we will go after them and hold them liable,? Inocentes said in a statement.

He added that the Metro Manila Council, which is composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, has passed an ordinance prohibiting motorcades or parades on Edsa and other major roads if these have not been cleared with and coordinated with the MMDA first.

Inocentes explained that prior coordination with the MMDA is important to help the agency prepare traffic contingency measures and make the necessary adjustments in the deployment of its traffic personnel.

?This policy covers all local and national political organizations. We will have no exemptions. If they will not comply with the requirements, we will not allow them to hold their campaign activities anywhere,? he said.

Organizations conducting political campaigns must submit to the MMDA the date and time of their motorcades or parades, number of participating vehicles and the expected routes and traffic plans, if any, he added.