Article by:
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday approved exemptions for fuel tankers and cargo trucks carrying essential goods from the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), also known as number coding, and the truck ban.
In a statement, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando “Don” Artes said the MMC resolution — approved by the MMDA and the 17 Metro Manila mayors — is in response to requests from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Both agencies made the exemption request for these trucks to facilitate the quick transportation of petroleum products and other essential goods.
“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” Artes said.
The MMDA will coordinate with the DTI to identify the essential goods that will qualify for the exemptions.
The resolution takes effect immediately after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.
On the other hand, MMDA general manager Undersecretary Nicolas Torre III said a total of 2,476 personnel will be deployed by the agency to secure major roads, transportation hubs and other key areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) during the Holy Week.
“We will enforce a no-day-off and no-absent policy for all traffic and field personnel when heavy traffic is expected due to the Holy Week exodus,” Torre said.
Other security hot spots include land terminals, airports, seaports and roads leading to churches.
In addition, he announced the suspension of the UVVRP in the NCR beginning at 12 noon on April 1, and will last until after Maundy Thursday and Good Friday — both regular holidays.
To help ensure a smooth flow of traffic for commuters, provincial buses will be allowed on EDSA beginning at 9 p.m. on April 1 until 6 a.m. on April 6. (PNA)
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