Candidates told: Motorcades on major roads banned

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reminded candidates in the Oct. 28 barangay (village) elections to refrain from holding campaign motorcades on major thoroughfares in the metropolis or face a poll-related offense.

“There is a total ban of motorcades along major roads like Edsa, C-5 Road and Marcos Highway from Oct. 18 to 26. There is really no need for us to regulate because these are no longer allowed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the first place,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said on Sunday in the agency’s weekly radio show.

In a press statement on Thursday, Tolentino said his proposal to the Comelec was “not intended to prohibit any election campaign activity but merely to regulate the use of major roads.”

The MMDA was authorized by the poll body through a resolution to regulate political motorcades and caravans on major thoroughfares, including Edsa, C-5, Quezon Avenue, Marcos Highway, Commonwealth Avenue, España Boulevard, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, President Quirino Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, MIA Road, Domestic Road, Andrews Avenue, South Superhighway, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Araneta Avenue, AH Lacson Street, Rizal Avenue, Katipunan Avenue and A. Bonifacio Avenue.

Comelec Resolution No. 974, according to Tolentino, will prevent unnecessary obstruction to the usual traffic flow in these areas.

He warned election candidates that violating the resolution may result in up to six years in prison on top of the removal of their right to vote and disqualification from holding public office.

As for nonmajor roads, Tolentino advised candidates to notify the MMDA at least three days before any election-related activity.

“We encourage the people to report anyone holding motorcades on major roads. This is considered an election offense that the Comelec will investigate,” Tolentino said.

The poll body issued a similar resolution just days before the May elections after motorists complained about being stuck in traffic due to proclamation rallies.