Sotto suspends odd-even scheme in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Vico Sotto yesterday made good on his campaign promise to suspend the odd-even number coding scheme for vehicles in Pasig City.

While the suspension is in effect, Sotto directed the Traffic Management Task Force to review the traffic situation in the city and submit its recommendation to ease traffic.

During the campaign period, Sotto vowed to remove the odd-even scheme, which was the subject of numerous complaints by residents.

He said he was the only councilor who opposed the scheme, implemented in 2016, which he described as “unfair and ineffective.”

Under the policy, four-wheeled vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers are barred from plying Elisco Road, R. Jabson street, San Guillermo street, Sandoval Avenue and F. Legaspi Bridge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers are prohibited from passing through those roads on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Meanwhile, Malacañang has declared today as a special non-working day in Pasig to allow its residents to celebrate the city’s 446th anniversary.

The declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 758 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of President Duterte last June 26.

According to the city’s website, Pasig was created by the Augustinians in 1572, making it one of the oldest towns in the country.

It was incorporated in the province of Rizal in 1901. The eastern Metro Manila town became a highly urbanized city in 1995. – Alexis Romero