Lawyer: When did MMDA publish coding scheme resolution?

EASING TRAFFIC JAMS The MMDA is reimposing an expanded number coding scheme starting on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022, to ease traffic on Edsa and other major thoroughfares, especially with in-person classes set to open. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) should bare to motorists the date it published its resolution providing for the expanded coding scheme to remove doubt about the date it took effect.

Romulo Macalintal, an election lawyer who is also an advocate for senior citizens, raised the point on Wednesday, the last day of the dry run of the expanded number coding scheme in Metro Manila.

“Since the resolution imposes a penalty upon the violators thereof there is the need to publish said resolution for at least 15 days before it can be made effective,” he said in a statement.

“Unless said publication is made the implementation of said resolution is of doubtful validity,” Macalintal added.

He argued there is no reason why the resolution should not be published — “so that all concerned citizens are fully advised.”

From Aug. 15 to 17, the MMDA implemented a dry run of the expanded number coding scheme, during which its traffic personnel flagged down drivers violating vehicles to inform them of the new scheme. 

Under the new scheme, coding will be imposed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The MMDA will officially implement the extended number coding scheme on Thursday, Aug. 18. Its traffic enforcers will then issue traffic tickets to violators.

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