MMDA says EDSA rally blocked busway, had no permit

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Ret. Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Tuesday said the gathering near the EDSA People Power Monument had no permit and disrupted operations along the EDSA Busway after participants allegedly occupied portions of the exclusive lane.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Torre said the gathering centered on the People Power Monument, prompting the closure of White Plains Avenue, while only the northbound EDSA Busway remained passable in the area.

“Ang center kasi ng movement ngayon itong People Power Monument. So, saradong-sarado na ’yung White Plains at ang bus lane na lang na northbound ang gumagana dito sa portion ng EDSA,” Torre said.

(The center of the gathering is at the People Power Monument. As a result, White Plains Avenue is completely closed, and only the northbound EDSA Busway remains operational in that portion of EDSA.)

He said authorities were working to clear the busway and tow vehicles obstructing traffic.

“MMDA towing ang ginagamit natin dito ngayon,” he added.

(The MMDA’s towing operations are being used here now.)

Torre also said the gathering had no permit and there was no prior coordination with authorities.

“Walang permit ito. Wala talagang coordination at walang permit itong rally na ito,” he said.

(This has no permit. There was no coordination, and this rally has no permit.)

He appealed for patience from commuters and motorists affected by the traffic disruption.

“Maraming pasensiya ang kailangan natin dito habang inaayos at ating maibalik sa dating kalagayan.”

(We ask for everyone’s patience as we work to fix the situation and restore normal conditions.)

Meanwhile, Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety (QC-DPOS) chief Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego said the situation at the rally site had started to improve.

“Sa ngayon, medyo maayos-ayos na (As of now, the situation has become relatively orderly)," he said.

San Diego said the Quezon City government has been assisting the police in managing the situation around the People Power Monument.

“Sa ngayon kasi, ang local government tumutulong sa kapulisan natin kasi nga nakatutok kaming lahat ngayon sa EDSA People Power Monument,” he said.

(The local government is helping the police because all of us are currently focused on the situation at the EDSA People Power Monument.)

He added that authorities continue to clear the affected roadways.

“’Yun ang challenge sa atin, itatabi sila,” he added.

(Our challenge is to move them to the side of the road.)

The MMDA earlier advised motorists to expect heavy traffic in the area, as one lane of EDSA remained occupied by rally participants' vehicles, and urged commuters to take alternate routes where possible.— MCG, GMA News