Makati traffic re-routed

Traffic will be re-routed today at the Central Business District (CBD) of Makati to give way to a "peace assembly" which is expected to draw some 10,000 participants.

But instead of the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, the city government and organizers of the mass action have moved the assembly to a vacant lot on Malugay street, at the intersection of Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue, formerly Buendia, following concerns raised by the private sector, CBD employees, public utility drivers and the diplomatic community over security and traffic.

Traffic authorities in Makati said the assembly, to be preceded by a morning Mass at the Greenbelt Church, would cause a major gridlock at the CBD since the program is expected to start at 1 p.m. and end at 6 p.m., the height of the rush hour. The assembly also coincides with payday.

The whole stretch of Malugay, from South Superhighway to Ayala Avenue, will be closed to vehicular traffic.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also raised its concern over the security of the different embassies and foreign companies located along Ayala Avenue and the flow of traffic at the CBD.