MMDA Lauds Comelec for Disallowing Campaign Motorcades along Major Roads

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) today for approving the agency’s proposal to ban the holding of campaign motorcades and rallies along major roads.

Tolentino particularly conveyed his gratitude to Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes for promptly acting on the MMDA’s proposal, whose main objective is to prevent unnecessary traffic jams caused by slow-moving campaign motorcades or caravans.

“Chairman Brillantes and the Comelec commissioners readily welcomed, studied, and approved our request to ban campaign motorcades along major thoroughfares, recognizing that these election-related activities cause inconvenience to the public,” Tolentino said.

With the implementation of the new traffic scheme, Tolentino reiterated that this will help the MMDA in effectively managing traffic flow during the campaign period.

The Comelec en banc has passed Resolution No. 9666 disallowing campaign motorcades along 22 major roads in Metro Manila.

These include EDSA, C-5, Quezon Avenue, Marcos Highway, Commonwealth Avenue, Espana, E. Rodriguez, Ramon Magsaysay, Quirino Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, MIA Road, Domestic Road, Andrews Avenue, South Superhighway, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Araneta Avenue, A.H. Lacson, Rizal Avenue and A. Bonifacio Avenue.

The resolution formally deputized the MMDA to assist Comelec in enforcing the motorcade ban. It also directed the MMDA to coordinate with the election officer of the city/municipality concerned and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

On the other hand, candidates and political parties who intend to conduct election campaigns and rallies on secondary roads should seek a permit from the local government units concerned and notify the MMDA three days before the event.

Brillantes said a convoy consisting of only three or more vehicles, moving in slow speed to attract the attention of the public, brings about traffic problems, especially when the motorcade is held along a major road such as Edsa.