MMDA: Number coding still suspended

The number coding scheme will remain suspended even as the government allowed the reopening of indoor non-contact sports venues, historical sites, and museums in NCR Plus areas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Friday.

“Suspended pa rin ang number coding because we don’t feel the need para ituloy itong number coding kasi… okay pa naman ang daloy ng traffic except of course kung… rush hour,” MMDA chairman Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. said in an interview on Balitanghali.

(The number coding scheme will remain suspended because the flow of traffic is still okay except during rush hours.)

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier announced that indoor non-contact sports venues in NCR Plus will be allowed to operate at 30% capacity.

Meanwhile, historical sites and museums will be allowed to operate at 20% capacity, provided that health and safety protocols are strictly observed and local governments where these sites are situated approve of such reopening.

According to Abalos, the MMDA is preparing for traffic and public safety.

“Maganda po ‘yung sinasabi ng IATF dahil unti-unting binubuksan ang ating mga negosyo at sana ay manumbalik na ang sigla ng ating ekonomiya kamukha nung nag pre-pandemic,” he said.

(This is good because our businesses are slowly being opened. I hope our economy will be able to bounce back.)

Abalos said the Santa Monica Bridge will be opened on Saturday.

“By July we will open the bridge parallel to Guadalupe, which is the Mandaluyong Bridge going to Rockwell,” he said.

“So itong dalawang bagong tulay na ito talagang malaking kabawasan [ng traffic] po ito as EDSA plus ‘yung ginagawa ng DOTr na carousel. Talagang masasabi kong ang laki ng naibsan na traffic,” he added.

(So these two bridges will be a big help in reducing traffic in EDSA as well as the DOTr’s carousel. I can say that it helped ease traffic.)—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News