The Metro Manila Development Authority on Tuesday appealed to politicians and organizers of motorcades and caravans to follow the guidelines formulated to minimize traffic gridlocks in the capital region.
In the list of guidelines, the MMDA said it shall regulate, evaluate, and issue permits for motorcades and/or caravans on major thoroughfares, while concerned local government units are in charge of such activities on all other roads.
Motorcades and caravans shall only be permitted during weekends and holidays between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.
“The same standard and procedure will be applied to all applicants for rally permit regardless of political party,” said MMDA general manager Romando Artes.
“The organizers should mobilize their own marshals and secure permits from LGUs. They should finish the motorcade at 10 am. Also, motorcade participants should stay in designated lanes to avoid inconvenience to the motoring public,” he added.
Also, organizers of these events would need to apply for a Roadway Private Utilization Permit (RPUP) with the MMDA and/or the concerned LGUs.
They should state in their applications the full details of their event, including the name of the event, organizations involved, date, time, route, estimated number of motor vehicles, program of activities, and other relevant details.
The application for permit shall be evaluated and issued by the MMDA and/or the concerned Metro Manila LGUs, with the consideration of a traffic management plan and undertaking of a public information and awareness campaign for the purpose.
The organizers of the motorcades and/or caravans shall comply with relevant laws such as Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code); rules and regulations of the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board; and the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) pertaining to the COVID-19 minimum public health standards.
Any violation of the undertaking or material misrepresentation in the application shall be grounds for suspension, cancellation, or revocation of the RPUP.
MMDA officials earlier said the Marcos-Duterte caravan last Sunday had minimal impact to traffic, citing that proper coordination is the key to orderly staging of such activities.
“Based on our assessment, the mega caravan launched by the supporters of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was orderly,” said Artes.
According to Artes, “It was a result of proper coordination among the concerned parties and organizers’ commitment to self-policing.”
Based on the monitoring, the organizers deployed their own marshals, motorcade participants occupied one lane and finished their activity at 9 a.m.
“This proved that proper coordination anchored with proper implementation and execution produces a positive result,” he said.
A “no day-off, no absent” policy for MMDA traffic enforcers was imposed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during the conduct of motorcade caravans.
“We recognize the efforts of our people, Philippine National Police, LGUs and all concerned government officials, the organizers as well as the participants involved,” said Artes.