Number coding back on June 8

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority ( MMDA) on Thursday announced that it would implement a modified number coding scheme starting June 8.

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) earlier passed a resolution to implement the modified number coding scheme to limit the vehicles plying major roads.

The MMC, composed of the mayors of the 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila, is the governing and policymaking body of the MMDA.

Under the modified number coding scheme, coded vehicles are allowed to travel on major roads if they carry at least one passenger.

The MMDA reminded motorists that passengers and drivers must observe strict health protocols such as physical distancing and the wearing of face masks.

Vehicles carrying medical personnel and other authorized persons outside residence are excluded from the modified number coding scheme, MMDA said.

The agency ordered operators of transport network vehicle service (TNVS) “to put up signage so they could easily be recognized as TNVS.”

Earlier, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said implementation of the coding scheme was delayed because the agency had to publish the new guidelines.

The number coding scheme was suspended on March 13 after President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon under ECQ — enhanced community quarantine.

Work and public transport resumed at limited capacity on June 1, when Metro Manila and other urban areas transitioned to GCQ — general community quarantine.