Manila: Malaca±ang announced on Wednesday that government agencies are actively working to alleviate the severe traffic congestion in Metro Manila, particularly during the holiday season. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the coordinated efforts of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and other relevant agencies in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to tackle the persistent traffic issues.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro acknowledged the complexity of resolving traffic congestion, especially during the Christmas season, but assured that interventions are in progress. She noted that, although some issues are challenging to address quickly, the government is committed to finding solutions. MMDA Chair Don Artes, who participated in the press conference via Zoom, highlighted the significant volume of traffic, with 450,000 vehicles on EDSA alone, surpassing its capacity of 250,000.

Artes elaborated on several contributing factors to the congestion, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways’ anti-overloading operations that inadvertently block lanes, uncoordinated truck ban policies among local government units (LGUs), simultaneous mall sales causing an influx of exiting vehicles, and motorists counterflowing, which overwhelms traffic enforcers. To mitigate these issues, the MMDA has intensified clearing operations along Mabuhay Lanes and is promoting the use of mass transportation.

Additionally, Artes mentioned the collaboration with the DOTr to extend the operating hours of public transport systems like the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) to accommodate more passengers. The MMDA is also encouraging commuters to utilize the bus carousel, MRT, and LRT.

Furthermore, Artes revealed that the MMDA has convened with local governments from areas such as Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, Cainta, and Antipolo to propose and discuss mitigating measures. An ocular inspection is planned to finalize coordinated traffic responses, and the MMDA will deploy additional enforcers, with LGUs committing extra personnel to enhance traffic rule enforcement.