MMDA opens Roxas Boulevard to trucks anew

MANILA, Philippines - Trucks are again allowed on Roxas Boulevard from Feb. 2 to 15, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino signed a memorandum circular that permits truckers to use Roxas Boulevard from midnight to 5 a.m.

”This is just temporary, upon the request of Secretary Rene Almendras, head of the Cabinet Cluster on Port Congestion, because of the backlog in the operations of the truckers brought about by the holidays,” he said.

Last December, the MMDA barred trucks from Roxas Boulevard to prepare for the Feast of the Black Nazarene and the papal visit.

He said Roxas Boulevard will then be rehabilitated by the Department of Public Works and Highways in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this year.

Tolentino also clarified that on Feb. 7 and 14, trucks will not be allowed on Roxas Boulevard during the day because of the tight weekend traffic.