Third petition vs EDSA bus ban filed before SC

MANILA, Philippines — A third petition seeking to stop the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)’s policy banning provincial buses along EDSA was filed yesterday before the Supreme Court (SC).

In a 20-page petition, members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives asked the high court to issue a temporary restraining order to stop the agency from enforcing MMDA Regulation No. 19-002.

The petitioners urged the SC to permanently void the regulation, which the MMDA and Metro Manila Council approved in a bid to ease traffic congestion along the major thoroughfare in the metropolis.

 Under the scheme, provincial buses are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers along EDSA. Loading and unloading zones for buses will be moved to integrated terminals in Sta. Rosa Laguna and Valenzuela City.

In approving the regulation, the MMDA asked local government units to revoke the permits issued to bus terminals and operators on EDSA.

Among the petitioners were Bayan Muna chairman Neri Colmenares, Representatives Rep. Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna party-list, Ariel Casilao of Anakpawis, Emerenciana de Jesus and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, Antonio Tinio and Francisca Castro of ACT Teachers, Sarah Jane Elago of Kabataan and Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Cleto Villacorta III.

The petitioners argued that the MMDA overstepped the boundary of its power in issuing the regulation, saying the agency has neither police or legislative powers to prohibit the issuance of permits to bus terminals along EDSA.

They said the MMDA violated the rights to due process of the bus drivers and operators as well as the riding public.

The petitioners further argued that the agency failed to conduct a study and public consultations before issuing the assailed measure.

AKO Bicol party-list Representatives Ronald Ang and Alfredo Garbin Jr. and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda had filed separate petitions before SC questioning the provincial bus ban.

The SC justices deferred ruling on the petitions when they resumed regular session on Tuesday after a two-month break.

The high court reset the deliberations to June 25.

Last April, the MMDA conducted a dry run of the bus ban as it targeted to close bus terminals on EDSA this month.

MMDA officials opted to suspend the implementation of the policy after receiving flak from transport groups and the riding public.

Road closures

Meanwhile, the MMDA closed several roads last night to allow for repairs by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The southbound lanes of C-5, Aurora Boulevard from EDSA to Arayat, EDSA Magallanes-Baclaran and Katipunan Avenue were closed to traffic.

The northbound lanes on EDSA, General Roxas Avenue to Aurora Boulevard, Quirino Highway Belfast Road to Zabarte Road, Gen. Luna street, Banahaw street and España Boulevard were also closed.

These roads will be opened to motorists on Monday morning.

The MMDA advised motorists to look for alternate routes to avoid inconvenience.            – With Robertzon Ramirez