The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is considering opening subdivision roads to help ease the heavy traffic expected during the Christmas season.

According to Atty. Victor Nunez, MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group director, the agency is set to meet with local government units on Tuesday to discuss holiday traffic plans, including the possible opening of gated village roads.

He said one of the recommendations to be taken up in the meeting is the opening of subdivision roads across Metro Manila.
“Some have ordinances already or similar policies, we need to clear it out muna kung ano ‘yung standing policies in different LGUs,” Nunez said.

He added that the MMDA will coordinate with subdivisions—particularly those with interconnecting routes—and urged them to cooperate since they, too, are affected by worsening holiday traffic.

Plans for Christmas bazaars and tiangges, which also contribute to congestion, will also be discussed in the meeting, Nunez said.

While Cainta, Antipolo and the rest of Rizal province are outside Metro Manila, Nunez noted that the MMDA remains in close coordination with local leaders in these areas for traffic management.

Nunez also addressed the massive traffic jam along Sumulong and Marcos Highways in Antipolo last Saturday evening, attributing it primarily to a large volume of vehicles worsened by motorists who resorted to counterflowing.
He said the gridlock occurred because “many motorists counterflowed in the area.”

With the holiday rush approaching, Nunez warned that “carmageddon” is expected as more shoppers flock to Metro Manila.

He cited 17 November — a payday Friday — as the worst traffic day of the year on EDSA, with 429,000 vehicles recorded along the major thoroughfare. Nunez said the figure is the highest so far, noting it represents an increase of more than 20,000 vehicles. He urged the public to use the MRT or the EDSA Bus Carousel to avoid gridlock.