MMDA exempts trucks carrying fuel, essential goods from coding, ban

MANILA, Philippines — Trucks and other vehicles transporting fuel and essential goods will be exempted from the truck ban and number coding scheme amid the ongoing tension in the Middle East, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday. 

According to the MMDA, the resolution for this policy was approved by the agency and Metro Manila mayors during the Metro Manila Council meeting on the same day. 

MMDA chairperson Don Artes said that the Department of Energy and Department of Trade and Industry requested for the exemption to expedite delivery of fuel products and basic commodities.

READ: DOE: Month and a half left to seek supply before PH ‘runs dry’ of fuel

“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” Artes said during the council meeting, as quoted in a statement. 

“The MMDA is in close coordination with the DTI, which will identify the essential goods that will qualify for the exemptions,” the MMDA added. 

The agency noted that the resolution will be effective once it is published in two newspapers for general circulation.

READ: Number coding scheme suspended on April 1-3 – MMDA

The MMDA also announced the suspension of the number coding scheme from 12 p.m. of April 1 until April 3, in observance of the Holy Week. The scheme is automatically lifted on April 2 (Maundy Thursday) and April 3 (Good Friday), which fall as regular holidays. 

Provincial buses will also be allowed in the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue from 9 p.m. of April 1 until 6 a.m. of April 6.  /jpv