MMDA lifts number coding scheme for Christmas, New Year holidays

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:49 p.m.) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday released confusing statements on whether the lifting of the number coding scheme during the holiday season would cover private vehicles.

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said in a message that the agency lifted the scheme for private vehicles from December 24 to January 2.

MMDA General Manage Jojo Garcia, however, told DzMM earlier that they would be meeting today on whether they would also suspend the number coding for private vehicles on December 26-28.

Meanwhile, number coding for provincial buses would be suspended from December 21 until January 2.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, past noon, said on his social media accounts that the coding scheme would automatically be suspended on declared holidays December 24, 25 and 31.

“It would also be suspended on December 26, 27 and 28 for more convenient travel of all,” he added in Filipino.

ADVISORY: Awtomatikong suspendido ang number coding scheme sa December 24, 25, at 31 na idineklarang holidays. Suspendido na rin ito sa mga araw ng December 26, 27, at 28 para sa mas maginhawang byahe ng lahat.  Planuhin na ang inyong mga lakad ngayong kapaskuhan. pic.twitter.com/sRDseJ12X6

— Danny Lim  ???????? (@GeneralDannyLim) December 20, 2018

Garcia said that they decided to lift the coding scheme for provincial buses to help passengers wanting to come home for the holidays.

“Kasi punung-puno na ang terminals natin, wala nang masakyan so nagdecide na i-lift ang coding starting tomorrow (Because are terminals are filled with passengers so we decided to lift the number coding starting tomorrow),” Garcia said.

Malacañang has earlier suspended government work and classes in state-run schools on January 2 to allow employees to spend more time with their families.

The Supreme Court meanwhile suspended work in courts nationwide on December 26 and January 2. — Kristine Joy Patag