MMDA won't exempt doctors on call, media from EDSA's odd-even scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority confirmed that the odd-even traffic scheme taking effect on EDSA on June 16 will not provide exemptions for emergency-duty doctors or marked media vehicles.

For over a month, the government will implement an odd-even traffic scheme on EDSA to help manage congestion during the major road rehabilitation.

Under the new odd-even system, plates ending in odd numbers cannot use EDSA on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while those ending in even numbers are restricted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Sundays, all vehicles are permitted. 

According to MMDA Chairman Don Aretes, only electric and hybrid cars recognized under the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, non-motorized modes of transport, emergency response vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks, public utility vehicles including buses and jeepneys, accredited transport network vehicles, and authorized government vehicles providing essential services are exempted from this scheme.

During the dry run for this new system, which will replace the existing number coding, MMDA traffic enforcers will stop vehicles violating the new rules, but won't issue tickets or impose fines.

“The cooperation of our fellow citizens will simply be encouraged. There will be no apprehensions, no violations, and no tickets issued. It will first be tested to see whether it is effective or not,” DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said in an interview. “If it turns out to be ineffective, the government may need to reconsider whether it should be implemented. If it is effective, then adjustments will be evaluated accordingly.”

The EDSA rehabilitation will begin with preparatory works by the evening of June 13. This means they won't start digging or doing heavy construction work yet. Instead, during this initial phase, they will mark or identify the specific sections of the road that need to be repaired or reconstructed.

After about two weeks, the agency will start excavations or changing the pavement. The DPWH has ultimately set a target completion year of 2027. Construction is expected to reach significant progress by 2026.

Since traffic obstruction and slowdown are expected, the MMDA has identified several alternative routes that motorists can take to avoid the heavily affected sections of EDSA during the rehabilitation period. (with reports from Christine Boton)