LTFRB's moratorium blamed for QC gridlock

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday blamed the "no apprehension policy" of the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board to the severe traffic congestions in Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

MMDA data showed that  there has been an 80.67-percent  increase in the volume of trucks that traversed along Katipunan Avenue in front of gate 3 of Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City when LTFRB lifted the truck ban last July 25.

The MMDA said that the data mean that on that day, the number of trucks traversing road has ballooned into a staggering 14, 380 count, resulting in a severe traffic congestion.

This just doubled the last year’s 7, 959 number of trucks when the truck ban was still implemented, the agency said.

"Our records only justify that vehicular bottleneck along Katipunan Avenue is the adverse effect of the new truck issuance of the LTFRB,” MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said.

Tolentino is referring to the recent advisory of LTFRB to all trucks for hire last June 27, which states that “No Apprehension Policy” shall be observed both by the Board and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This came on the heels of an LTFRB-issued resolution, whereas all trucks for hire with green plates can freely pass along C5 for the period of one month, from June 28 to July 28, without fear of getting apprehended by traffic enforcers.

“The current move of the LTFRB will not only exacerbate the already worse traffic situation in the metropolis,” said Tolentino, pointing out that trucks are major contributors to the traffic gridlock, especially during rush hour.

He said, however, that he, together with Metro Manila Mayors, would be more willing to discuss the matter with the LTFRB in a dialogue.