MMDA has no definitive rule on convoys, says chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has no definitive rule on convoys in the metropolis, saying it was a “case-to-case basis,” its chief Romando Artes said on Friday.

“Wala naman tayong definitive rule dito sa MMDA, pero nage-extend tayo ng courtesy, lalong-lalo na sa Pangulo at Pangalawang Pangulo, dahil may security concerns yan; kailangan talaga bigyan sila ng way para dere-derecho ang kanilang convoy,” said Artes in a press briefing when asked if the MMDA has a protocol on convoy.

(We do not have a definitive rule in the MMDA, but we extend courtesy, especially to the President and Vice President. Because of security concerns, their convoys need to be given the right of way so they can go straight ahead.)

“As I’ve said, case-to-case basis, wala po kaming (we have no) definitive [rule],” he added.

Artes noted that this courtesy is done for security reasons.

“Laging nandiyan ang banta sa seguridad nila,” he said.

(The threat to their security is always there.)

To recall, a viral video posted by former Bayan Muna solon Teddy Casiño on Thursday showed Commonwealth Ave. corner Tandang Sora Ave. closed off to make way for the alleged convoy of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte’s camp vehemently denied this, saying that she had been in Mindanao since Wednesday.

The police officer responsible for halting the traffic flow has been relieved from his post by the Quezon City Police District.

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