MMDA bans marathons, runs during Holidays

MANILA, Philippines - In an effort to decongest traffic in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila during the Holidays, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will temporarily ban the holding of fun runs, marathons, bike races and other similar activities.

In a statement, the MMDA said that similar events from Dec. 16 this year to Jan. 6, 2014 would be prohibited..

Aside from the banning of road races, the MMDA will be implementing a moratorium on all excavations or digginsg in all national and city roads, beginning midnight Dec. 13 up to Jan. 6, 2014.

The MMDA will also open the so-called "Christmas lanes" in 18 transit routes in the metropolis.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said they will announce the Christmas Lane alternative routes tomorrow, Dec. 5.

Except this coming weekend, Tolentino also announced that there will be no more road re-blocking operations along major and secondary thoroughfares until January 6, 2014.

"These traffic measures are designed to facilitate the free flow of motorists and Christmas shoppers before the start of Simbang Gabi on December 16," he said.

He added the MMDA is expecting a 20-percent increase in traffic volume this Christmas season because of the influx of people and vehicles from Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, and Central Luzon.