MMDA chair Benhur Abalos
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued guidelines for the conduct of motorcades or caravans in the capital region in order to ensure the welfare of road users.
In its guidelines released to the media on Saturday, the MMDA said that the agency, through the Office of the General Manager for Operations, shall regulate, evaluate, and issue permits, if warranted, for the conduct of motorcades and caravans in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, local government units shall regulate, evaluate, and issue permits for these activities on all other roads.
According to MMDA, motorcades and caravans should only be conducted during weekends and holidays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“The organizers of such motorcades and/of caravans shall submit the necessary applications for a Roadway Private Utilization Permit (RPUP) with the MMDA and/or the concerned MM LGUs therein stating the name of the event and/of organization/s involved, date, inclusive time, route, the estimated number of motor vehicles, the program of activities, and other relevant details pertaining to the intended motorcades and/or caravans. Thereafter, the MMDA and/or the concerned MM LGUs shall evaluate and issue the RPUP, if warranted, and establish a traffic management plan and undertake a public information and awareness campaign for the purpose,” the guidelines read.
“Any violation of this undertaking or material misrepresentation in the application…shall be a ground to suspend, cancel, or revoke the RPUP,” it added.
Organizers of the motorcades should also comply with the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, rules and regulations of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on health protocols against COVID-19.
The guidelines were as of November 22, according to the MMDA document.
On Saturday, the MMDA also urged organizers of the caravans for Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, running for president and vice president, respectively, to follow guidelines in launching these activities.
This comes after their motorcade in Quezon City on Wednesday caused heavy traffic congestion. The Marcos camp later issued an apology.