The House Committee on Metro Manila Development, chaired by Manila 1st District Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez, has compelled the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to inform the committee as regards the traffic plans amid the installation of a temporary steel ramp connecting the Alabang viaduct to Skyway.

The panel made the move Tuesday during its hearing in response to the motion of Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon compelling the board to shed light specifically on the lack of coordination by Skyway Corporation on the traffic management plans with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the absence of a submission of a traffic impact analysis on every move that they do in relation to the development of Skyway.

In the hearing, Biazon noted that the installation of the ramp could lead to another carmaggedon that would affect commuters in Metro Manila.

“To skyway, SLEX, this seems to be a good thing kasi mapapabilis nila yung along SLEX but the fallout sa Alabang-Zapote road is another set up for carmaggedon.”

On 8 November, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced that a two-lane ramp connecting the streets of Alabang and the Skyway is set to operate on 1 December, adding that it would expand the northbound route of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to five lanes and is expected to improve traffic flow in the area.

Biazon hit the Skyway and SLEX for not coordinating with MMDA as regards its plans.

“Based on experience, the Skyway and SLEX have not properly been coordinating with MMDA,” said Biazon. “Are they coordinating with MMDA considering the impact it will have on Alabang-Zapote road all the way to Las Piñas?”

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garica said information on the ramp has yet to submitted to them by the Skyway and the SLEX, adding that it is the TRB and not the MMDA which has jurisdiction over the ramp.

The TRB is mandated to supervise and regulate the construction, operation and maintenance of toll facilities.

Biazon told Garcia that the issue is not about the installation of the ramp but its effects to traffic and pointed out that it is MMDA was given the mandate to manage traffic in Metro Manila.