No ‘coding,’ apprehensions on MMDA’s 31st anniversary

On its 31st anniversary tomorrow, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will give Filipinos a chance to show the world that motorists and pedestrians here can behave even if not under threat of being apprehended or fined.

The Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number-coding scheme will be suspended tomorrow for a full 24 hours. Traffic enforcers will also ignore all traffic violations, including anti-jaywalking regulations.

"It’s a test and also a gift," MMMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando told The Star in an interview.

Fernando believes that holding a ‘no apprehensions day’ will bear positive results.

He said the idea is to make the public realize the value of discipline and ultimately teach Filipinos why traffic laws and traffic enforcers exist.

Fernando admitted that some might take advantage and deliberately violate traffic rules but the MMDA will stick to its ‘no apprehensions’ policy.

"With this, we will be able to gauge the thinking of the people," he explained.

Yesterday, the agency gave away P100,000 in prizes for its Disensyo Milenyo project, which turned tree barks, branches and sticks left by typhooon Milenyo into street art.