MMDA suspends number coding due to transport strike

Amid initial confusion, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) lifted on Thursday morning the number coding policy due to a transport strike staged by militant transport groups. MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando made the declaration past 6 a.m. Thursday on Iglesia ni Cristo-run dzEC radio, while his deputies insisted the number coding was still in effect. "Oo (Yes)," Fernando said when asked if the number coding, where vehicles with plate numbers ending in 7 and 8 are banned from major roads during peak hours, would be lifted for the day. But in Makati City, dzBB radio reported that as of 7:30 a.m., the Makati City government was still enforcing the number coding system. On the other hand, some schools in Metro Manila canceled classes at the elementary level. Fernando said he also ordered all MMDA personnel deployed to "hotspots," with instructions to coordinate with police in helping passengers who may be stranded because of the strike. He also ordered MMDA personnel to help police accost drivers or groups that will resort to violence. But before Fernando made the announcement, general manager Roberto Nacianceno said there was no reason to lift the number coding for the day. "Ang reason for declaring (lifting of) number coding pag pyesta opisyal. Pag ganitong sitwasyon maski noon di kami nagli-lift (The reason for lifting the number coding is if there is an occasion. But in this situation, even in past strikes, we haven't lifted the number coding)," Nacianceno told dzBB radio at 5:45 a.m. Nacianceno eventually announced the lifting of the number coding, after Fernando's interview. "Wala tayong number coding ngayong araw na ito (We won't have number coding for today)," he said. On the other hand, Fernando advised the public to go about their daily work and classes, saying those behind the transport strike are only after media mileage. "Inaasahan nila media. Sa camera, aarte yan, para palabasin buong Metro Manila paralisado. Tuloy ang ating gawain, ang normal na gawain natin (They are banking on media mileage. They want to preen before the cameras to show they can paralyze the metropolis. We should instead go about our usual routine)," he said. However, he said those who want to go out should stay home to avoid trouble. "Pero kung ikaw mamasyal pagpaliban muna (But if you just want to go out to have a good time, we suggest you stay home today)," he added. - GMANews.TV