MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes together with Comelec Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia led Oplan Baklas for local candidates at the start of the campaign period. (MMDA photo)
MMDA bans poll bets’ motorcades, caravan on nat’l roads
By Arlene Rivera and Edd Reyes
THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded candidates that election-related motorcades and caravans are prohibited from traversing national highways under their jurisdiction and should only be conducted during weekends and holidays to minimize disruption to weekday traffic flow.
This was included in the guidelines issued by MMDA to regulate transport and traffic management, including overseeing events that may impact traffic.
MMDA said the guidelines for the conduct of motorcades and/or caravans, particularly during election periods and political campaigns, is to ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic, the safety of participants, and minimal disruption to the public.
Under the guidelines, motorcades and caravans are not allowed to traverse national highways (R1-R10 and C1 to C5). However, motorcades or caravans are only allowed to cross these highways when necessary, provided the intersection is open and accessible, until they safely reach the opposite side of the road.
The MMDA said organizers must provide sufficient traffic marshals, as well as necessary traffic control devices and facilities, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of participants and the general public.
There shall be no road closures; only one Lane may be occupied, and the usual traffic flow must be maintained.
The memorandum also stated that organizers must secure a permit for the activity. However, the permit does not replace other required permits and clearances that should first be obtained from the concerned Metro Manila Local Government Units (LGUs) in accordance with applicable local ordinances and existing rules and regulations of other agencies and stakeholders.
They must also submit a formal request to the MMDA at least seven working days prior to the planned motorcade/caravan.
The MMDA also added that they are not liable for any accidents, injuries, or untoward incidents that may occur during the event. Organizers are required to assume responsibility for the safety and security of all participants and bystanders.
The MMDA, in coordination with the concerned LGUs will implement necessary traffic diversions to minimize disruptions during the motorcade/caravan.
Organizers must ensure that all safety protocols are observed. including traffic marshals directing the flow of vehicles, emergency vehicles on standby, and proper crowd management.
MMDA, Comelec remove unlawful campaign materials
The MMDA headed by Atty. Don Artes and Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia led the ” Oplan Baklas” which aimed to clear public spaces of unauthorized campaign paraphernalia, which often clutters streets, walls, and other public areas.
The operation conducted in Tondo, Manila was in accordance with Republic Act No. 3571 and Comelec Resolution No. 11111, which prohibits posting or installing campaign materials on trees and electrical posts.
According to Garcia, Comelec will send letters to candidates with “orders to remove” so that they can initiate the removal of posters in prohibited areas. If the campaign posters are not removed within three days, Comelec will issue a show-cause order.
Chairman Artes said the agency deployed its personnel from Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG) to work together with Comelec in dismantling illegal campaign materials and advertisements that violate established size and placement regulations.
“We deployed more than 500 MMDA personnel to the 17 local government units of Metro Manila to take down those illegal campaign materials,” Artes said. “Also, as part of our coordination with Comelec, MMDA will intensify its Oplan Baklas operations to ensure compliance with election rules.”
Most of those removed were tarpaulins, posters, and other election paraphernalia hanging from tall poles, trees, electric posts, bridges, pedestrian footbridges, electric wires, and other non-designated areas.
Comelec also urged the public to report any illicit political postings to a nearby COMELEC office, the COMELEC website, or its social media platforms.
