MMDA to motorists: Take alternate routes on Nat’l Day of Protest

All vehicles utilizing northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard shall turn right to Pres. Quirino Avenue or turn right to Pedro Gil Street to point of destination. (Photo by Ramon FVelasquez – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,)

MANILA— The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid heavy traffic as mass demonstrations are expected to be held in various parts of Manila in commemoration of the National Day of Protest.

This, as rallies are expected Thursday in the United States (US) Embassy, Mendiola, Plaza Miranda, and Espana Boulevard to commemorate the 45th anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law, according to the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD).

For the demonstration in the US Embassy, the affected area is at Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak Drive to Pedro Gil, Malate, Manila.

Motorists from Bonifacio Drive that will traverse the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard shall turn left to P. Burgos Avenue to their point of destination. Vehicles coming from Jones, McArthur, and Quezon bridges going to Roxas Boulevard southbound direction must turn straight to Taft Avenue to their destination.

All vehicles traveling westbound lane of TM Kalaw  going to Roxas Boulevard southbound shall turn left to MH Del Pilar Street to point of destination. Motorists traveling westbound lane of United Nations Avenue going to Roxas Boulevard should turn left to MH Del Pilar Street or utilize Roxas Boulevard service road to point of destination.

All vehicles utilizing northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard shall turn right to Pres. Quirino Avenue or turn right to Pedro Gil Street to point of destination.

The Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola will be affected by the rally which will be staged in front of the Mendiola Peace Arch.

Vehicles coming from Legarda northbound shall turn right to Bustillos street to point of destination.

Motorists coming from Legarda southbound shall turn left to Concepcion Aguila Street to their destination.

Vehicles coming from Recto eastbound must turn left to Morayta Street (N. Reyes Street) to point of destination.

The southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard will be closed to motorists due to the demonstration in Plaza Miranda.

Vehicles that will utilize the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard coming from A. Mendoza Street shall turn right to Fugoso Street to point of destination.

Motorists coming from Espana Boulevard should turn right to P. Campa Street to their destination.

Vehicles coming from the service road of CM Recto Avenue eastbound shall go straight and turn left to Morayta Street (N. Reyes Street) to point of destination.

The area of Espana Boulevard near the University of Santo Tomas will likewise be affected by the protest action.

Vehicles intending to utilize the westbound lane of Espana Boulevard coming from A.H. Lacson Avenue shall go straight to Nagtahan to point of destination.

Motorists traveling east of Espana Boulevard intending to proceed to Quezon Boulevard shall turn right A.H. Lacson Avenue, go straight to Rizal Avenue to their destination.

All vehicles traveling eastbound of Espana Boulevard shall turn right to P. Noval Street and turn left to SH Loyola Street to point of destination.

MMDA has also advised that the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or number coding scheme remains to be in effect on Thursday.

Malacanang has suspended work in government offices and classes in all public schools and state universities as it has declared a National Day of Protest due to expected public rallies, marches, demonstrations and other mass actions in various parts of the country.

The suspension of work in private companies and classes in private schools in affected areas is left to the discretion of their respective heads.