Abalos inspects bus terminal, cemeteries

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos yesterday led an inspection of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange ahead of the expected increase in passengers during the observance of Undas.

Abalos said traffic management plans are in place.

“As Undas approaches, we are beginning to see an increase in the number of passengers. We are coordinating with local government units (LGUs) and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of commuters,” he said.

Abalos said MMDA personnel were deployed near bus terminals for a faster turnaround of buses and to manage traffic on perennial choke point areas in Metro Manila.

“We have deployed additional manpower, in coordination with LGUs, to manage the traffic situation all over the metropolis,” he told reporters.

Abalos appealed to the public to follow COVID-19 guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases such as wearing of masks, face shields and physical distancing.

He said members of the MMDA Road Emergency Group would conduct on the spot breathalyzer tests on bus drivers to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers who fail the test will not be allowed to drive unless they take a rest, Abalos said.

The number coding scheme for all vehicles and the truck ban remain suspended in Metro Manila.

On Tuesday, Abalos also inspected some cemeteries in Metro Manila to ensure the compliance of cemetery-goers to COVID-19 protocols.

He visited the Manila North Cemetery and Garden of Life Park in Mandaluyong City to check their compliance with the IATF guidelines on the closure of cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.