MMDA to suspend full implementation of driver-only ban in EDSA

EDSA traffic. (Photo: ABS-CBN News.)
EDSA traffic. (Photo: ABS-CBN News.)

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced today the suspension of the full implementation of the driver-only ban which was supposedly set to commence on Aug. 23.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia told reporters in a press briefing that they will continue with the week-long dry run, which started on Wednesday until the Metro Manila Council (MMC) discusses the new policy further.

However, Garcia announced that they will not push through with its full implementation.

Rappler reported that Garcia said in a mix of English and Filipino: “We will not push through with the full implementation of the measure on August 23. We will continue the dry run until the MMC convenes again.”

“MMDA has no power to stop [the ban] because it is a Metro Manila Council resolution which was crafted by the mayors. Only the MMC can suspend this measure, not MMDA,” Garcia said in Filipino, as quoted by ABS-CBN News.

“So, for now, we will hold (the implementation) then the [Metro Manila] council will vote. I don’t want to preempt our mayors,” Garcia added.

He reiterated that their goal was for people to carpool in order to decongest traffic in EDSA, the metro’s main thoroughfare.

The ban has been widely criticized by regular citizens and senators alike. The senate even filed a resolution to suspend the driver-only ban on the first day of the trial run.

MMDA caught over 2,953 violators just on the first day of the dry run.



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