(FILE) Traditional and modern jeepneys share space on Pinatubo Street in Mandaluyong City. — NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The government wants to open all transportation routes and restore the 100 percent capacity in public utility vehicles in Metro Manila once the region is placed under Alert Level 1, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officer-in-charge and General Manager Romando Artes said Friday.
According to Artes, MMDA officials will meet with executives of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to iron out protocols to be implemented under an Alert Level 1 status — the lowest COVID-19 alert level.
“We will be meeting with DOTR, LTFRB and LTO on Monday but based on initial discussions with [Assistant Secretary] Steve Pastor of the land transport sector of DOTr, they are planning to open all the routes and they are preparing for a hundred percent capacity in all public transport,” Artes said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel when asked if the government will implement pre-pandemic transportation guidelines under Alert Level 1.
“All the possible restrictions under Alert Level 1 are being discussed or will be discussed by the technical working group for submission to the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force),” said Artes.
On Wednesday, Parañaque City Mayor and Metro Manila Council Chairman Edwin Olivarez revealed that Metro Manila mayors have unanimously voted to downgrade the alert level status in the capital region to Alert Level 1.
Artes said the IATF has already decided on the mayors’ recommendation during its meeting on Thursday afternoon. He said the decision may be announced by acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles over the weekend.
RELATED STORIES:
Metro Manila ready for COVID-19 Alert Level 1, says OCTA Research
DILG still not keen on Alert Level 1 due to polls