Ambulances to be allowed to take ASEAN Lanes on EDSA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday said some emergency vehicles may be allowed to take ASEAN Lanes on both directions of EDSA.

MMDA operations supervisor Bong Nebrija told radio dzBB that ambulances carrying patients are among these vehicles.

Nebrija said during the interview that on Saturday, MMDA personnel allowed an ambulance to take the special lane on EDSA to avoid heavy traffic.

Heavy traffic was reported on EDSA after authorities closed the ASEAN Lanes, which were set up for arriving dignitaries participating in the 31st ASEAN Leaders' Summit and Related Meetings.

Meanwhile, Nebrija reminded the public that ASEAN Lanes will remain close on Sunday.

Asked about the traffic jam in several major thoroughfares on Saturday, Nebrija explained that the MMDA had repeatedly released advisories weeks before the implementation of the ASEAN Lanes and the stop and go scheme for the arriving world leaders.

Only two leaders -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi -- arrived in the country through the Clark International Airport on Saturday.

Majority of the leaders attending the summit next week are expected to arrive on Sunday.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to host the ASEAN gala dinner tonight.

The MMDA had asked the public to avoid leaving their homes on Saturday to avoid the expected traffic jam. —ALG, GMA News