MMDA conducts clearing ops along Mabuhay Lanes in QC, Manila

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted on Tuesday clearing operations on the roadside of the Mabuhay Lanes connecting Quezon City and Manila.

A report from Mark Salazar on GMA News TV's Balitanghali said the MMDA started its operations from West Avenue to Del Monte Avenue, and Sto. Domingo Street in Quezon City to Maria Clara St., Dapitan St., and España Boulevard in Manila.

The MMDA flagged illegally parked ambulances and roadside stores selling medical supplies in the area of the Philippine Orthopedic Center. However, the MMDA did not confiscate the equipment.

In Manila, the agency towed illegally parked vehicles on Maria Clara Street with owners offering different reasons why their cars were parked on the roadside.

But the MMDA also veered away from its clearing operations by dismantling illegal tricycle terminals in Dimasalang and tables of ambulant vendors that blocked sidewalks on the corner of Tayuman Street and Rizal Avenue.

The report said policemen from the PNP Highway Patrol Group escorted the MMDA in the course of the operation. Both agencies are part of the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic.

Meanwhile, the MMDA said it will strictly enforce its clearing operations on a daily basis, noting violators tend to return to their places after the operation.

The report said barangay officials were not as effective in clearing their jurisdiction since they and violators are part of the same community.

As of 2 p.m., the MMDA Public Information Office said 24 vehicles were towed while 30 were issued traffic violation tickets during the clearing operations. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KG, GMA News