MMDA sets up priority areas for Undas, Christmas season

EDSA TRAFFIC Motorists experience bumper-to-bumper traffic along EDSA-Nepa Q-Mart in Quezon City on Wednesday, June 14 2023, as Edsa Shaw tunnel southbound has been temporarily closed early due to a vehicular accident. (INQUIRER file photo / NINO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has tagged certain places it calls “priority areas” for the observance of All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day and the Christmas season.

MMDA acting chair Don Artes said 1,448 personnel will be deployed to these sites.

“May mga priority areas tayo. Itong mga personnel will be deployed from October 27 to 31 and November 1 to 6 doon po sa mga pangunahing areas,” said Artes in a press conference.

(We have priority areas. These personnel will be deployed from October 27 to 31 and November 1 to 6 in the main areas.)

“Meron kaming i-implement na ‘no absent’ policy sa mga traffic personnel,” he added.

(We will implement a ‘no-absent’ policy for traffic personnel.)

MMDA will also deploy emergency employees, while public assistance centers will be set up in various hotspots.

Artes said the list of priority areas will be released in the coming days.

Christmas Season

Meanwhile, starting November 13 to January 8, the work shift of MMDA operatives will be extended from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight.

“[This is] to make sure na may nagma-manage ng traffic,” said Artes.

([This is] to ensure someone is managing the traffic.)

“Alam naman po natin na habang papalapit ang Pasko, ‘yung traffic nae-extend hanggang late night ng gabi,” he explained.

(As we know, as Christmas approaches, the traffic extends until late at night.)

During this period, traffic agents are also prohibited from flocking together or being in the company of other personnel.

MMDA also stressed operatives are prohibited from using their cell phones while on duty.

Artes emphasized apprehension of persons will be solely focused on traffic management; thus, motorists who commit light violations will only be given signals and warned to avoid disrupting traffic flow further.

“‘Yung mga simpleng violations lamang po na tingin naman natin ay pwede nang palampasin ay hindi na po huhulihin, dahil alam naman po natin na ‘pag hinuli pa ito ay makaka-cause din po ng pagbigat na daloy ng traffic,” said Artes.

(Persons who commit simple violations that we think can be overlooked will not be arrested because we know that if they are caught, it will also cause a heavy flow of traffic.)

“‘Pag hinuli ka, ibig sabihin hindi siya light violation (if you get caught, it means it’s not a light violation),” he added.

Light violations may pertain to minor incidents of swerving, while the illegal use of the Edsa carousel busway, violation of coding, and any violations that can cause harm to the public will still result in arrest.

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