Lawmaker wants exemption for seniors in EDSA odd-even scheme

A lawmaker has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to exempt senior citizens from the odd-even scheme in EDSA amid its planned rebuild.

Senior Citizens party-list rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes, in his letter to the two government agencies, said the odd-even scheme restrictions will impact the health of the elderly who tend to have regular health check ups, among other necessary appointments wherein they have to go outside their homes using private vehicles.

“Many of our elderly constituents rely on their private vehicles to attend essential medical appointments, therapy sessions, and other vital activities that are not easily rescheduled,” Ordanes said.

“They also face physical limitations and health risks when using public transportation, especially under extreme weather conditions,” he added.

Likewise, the lawmaker said such exemption is in accordance with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 or Republic Act 9994 which guarantees support for the welfare of senior citizens.

"Burden"

In a separate statement, Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee said the odd-even scheme should be scrapped altogether because it burdens the people.

Lee made the call under his House Resolution 2294, noting that the implementation of the odd-even scheme without corresponding improvements in public transportation and clear and concrete alternative route plans burdens everybody from ordinary commuters, private car owners to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“It is imperative for the MMDA to ensure that an efficient, safe and widely accessible public transportation system is in place before implementing such schemes that limit mobility options for the public,” Lee said.

“The said coding scheme may result in adverse socio-economic implications affecting daily commute, livelihood, or critical errands, effectively curtailing mobility and productivity of the public. The government should not burden the people,” added Lee.

In addition, Lee also warned that the odd-even scheme may encourage people to purchase a second vehicle merely to circumvent the restrictions, further contributing to the congestion and pollution.

“MMDA must carefully study such proposals and suspend the implementation of the odd-even scheme until they finish conducting thorough consultations with transport and road safety experts, commuters, workers, and other stakeholders in order to develop more equitable, comprehensive, and sustainable traffic management strategies.” —VAL, GMA Integrated News