Truck routes set to ease ADB summit traffic

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has designated an alternative route for vehicles that would be affected by the daytime truck ban to be imposed during the Asian Development Bank (ADB) conference next week.

Trucks heading to North Luzon Expressway from the North and South Harbors could turn to A. Bonifacio and R-10, then make right at C-3, then straight to 5th Avenue, then another left at A. Bonifacio Avenue going to the expressway, said MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino.

The truck ban will be in effect for the duration of the ADB summit on May 2 to 5 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

In a statement, Tolentino said the ban was intended to decongest the streets and allow diplomats and high-level officials attending the conference to travel smoothly between the PICC and their points of origin.

About 4,000 delegates, including foreign finance ministers, central bank governors, and representatives from international organizations and the private sector are expected to attend the summit.

“The country stands to gain a lot in economic terms if the hosting of this event proves to be a success, that’s why we are doing our best to make the delegates’ stay in the country comfortable and fruitful,” Tolentino said.

Cargo truck operators have expressed support to the daytime truck ban, but Tolentino said the truckers asked if the government could find a way to secure their vehicles and cargo against thieves.

Since these would be parked along the roads while waiting for the ban to lapse, it could expose the cargo to thieves, the group told the MMDA chair. Miko Morelos