Doctors responding to emergency cases no longer need to apply for an exemption to the number coding scheme, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday.
Medical practitioners only have to show their updated identification card from the Professional Regulation Commission in case they are flagged down for violating the traffic scheme officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP).
“We are optimistic that this new rule will not be abused by doctors and they will be conscientious in using this privilege,” MMDA officer in charge and general manager Tim Orbos said in a statement.
The MMDA previously required doctors to submit a certification from their primary hospital when applying for an exemption. Orbos said the new guideline showed that the agency recognized the need for unhampered travel for doctors responding to emergencies.
Under the UVVRP, vehicles are prohibited on major thoroughfares in Metro Manila on certain days depending on the last number of their license plates: 1 and 2 on Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, and 9 and 0 on Friday.