MMDA going full blast on clearing operation

MANILA, Philippines - The clearing of alternate routes in Metro Manila of all obstructions goes full blast on Monday at 6 a.m., the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Friday.

The clearing operation is an effort to decongest the designated alternate routes for motorists who want to avoid EDSA.

Headed by the MMDA, the clearing operation will also be joined by various local government units (LGUs), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

MMDA officer-in-charge Emerson Carlos said initially two teams each from agency’s Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, Parking Discipline Group and Task Force Anti-Illegal Terminal, together with their counterparts from HPG, DPWH, LTO and DILG, will be deployed to clear the 21 routes of the Mabuhay Lanes of ambulant vendors and road obstructions such as illegally parked vehicles.  

Carlos said the MMDA teams will also be handing out leaflets and flyers to remind motorists and the concerned residents that the alternate routes for EDSA should be free of any form of road obstructions from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“We should educate them that these alternate routes should be free of obstructions during these times or else we would be clearing them repeatedly,” Carlos said.

Carlos said the alternate routes must be decongested for use by motorists during the holiday rush when vehicular traffic in Metro Manila increases substantially. 

Carlos also said that all permits issued by barangay officials concerning the use of roads such as vending on the streets and sidewalks are deemed cancelled and vendors’ wares will be confiscated and turned over to the LGUs. 

Motor vehicles that will be removed by tow trucks during the operation will be brought to the nearest MMDA impounding area. 

Earlier, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said government will strictly enforce all traffic rules and regulations without let-up for the duration of the two-month long clearing operations of EDSA and the alternate or "Mabuhay" lanes.

“This is response to the complaints of our people, for some, a cry for help for their government to come to their aid,” Almendras said.