MMDA halts road diggings in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday ordered a suspension of all road diggings and excavations in Metro Manila over the Christmas holiday season from midnight of December 10 to midnight of January 4, 2013.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said the suspension of road works was ordered in anticipation of the increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic during Christmas season.

“The temporary moratorium is in response to the public’s call to improve the Christmas traffic situation caused by various road diggings and repairs,” said Tolentino.

Tolentino said the MMDA circular suspending road diggings for the Christmas season has been sent to all concerned offices of the MMDA, including the regional offices and engineering districts of local government units (LGUs), utility companies and contractors.

Tolentino added that the MMDA has also ordered the suspension of any digging on the road right-of-way, including passageways and sidewalks within the city or municipality of Metro Manila, as well as improvements being undertaken by any government agency, public and private contractors that will obstruct the smooth flow of traffic.

The moratorium however does not apply to government flagship projects and to emergency repairs of leaking water lines of Manila Water and Maynilad, said Tolentino.

Tolentino said violators of the MMDA order face payment of fines not less than P3000 but not more than P10,000, or imprisonment of not less than 30 days but not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment as decided by the court.