MMDA Tows Illegally Parked Vehicles Amid EDSA Rally, Citing Traffic Congestion

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday began towing illegally parked vehicles along Edsa as authorities sought to ease heavy traffic caused by a protest rally near Ortigas Avenue. MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency had coordinated with law enforcement and other government agencies while deploying personnel, barriers, and towing equipment to clear affected lanes and minimize disruption to motorists. “Our priority right now is to reopen the road because many people are on their way to work, and they’re also being caught in the rain… The public has to come first,” Torre said in a radio interview. READ: White plains Avenue in QC closed due to Tuesday morning rally According to Torre, traffic worsened after protesters gathered along Edsa near the Corinthians Gate, with the presence of illegally parked vehicles further constricting traffic flow. The traffic buildup also extended to the southbound lanes after some motorists made U-turns beneath the Ortigas flyover to avoid the affected northbound stretch. Torre stressed that while the government respects the public’s right to assemble and express their views, the rights of commuters and workers must also be protected.“If they want to hold a rally and express their views, that’s okay. But those who want to work and go to their offices should also be able to get there and do their jobs,” he said. He added that cones were also placed to protect protesters from road hazards while ensuring traffic could continue moving as much as possible./dp