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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider 'Unity Walk' causes traffic snarls in QC, Manila

'Unity Walk' causes traffic snarls in QC, Manila

Published Aug 5, 2024 07:48 am

Commuters and motorists experienced heavy traffic on Monday, August 5, when transport groups launched the “Unity Walk” to oppose the Senate resolution calling for the suspension of the implementation of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) or the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

More than 10 pro-PTMP transport groups flocked to Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City as early as 6:00 a.m. to express their support for the modernization program of the government but they were met by a blockade of police vehicles to prevent their march to Mendiola, Manila.

The blockade caused traffic snarls from the Quezon Memorial Circle to the whole stretch of Quezon Avenue and Espana Boulevard. 

viber_image_2024-08-05_13-54-05-314.jpgDifferent transport groups participate in the “unity walk” from Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City to Mendiola, Manila, on Monday, August 5, 2024, in support of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP). (Contributed photo)

 

The groups eventually were able to march along España Boulevard in Manila but were blocked by members of the Manila Police District (MPD) even if authorities had left two lanes open for motorists to pass through.

Motorists were diverted to Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard and to the inner streets of Sampaloc, Manila but the heavy traffic was made worse by the two fires that hit the Dapitan Arcade and Sampaloc, Manila.

In the resolution, which was signed by 22 senators on July 31, they argued that the concerns of stakeholders such as the high number of unconsolidated units and the financial burden of acquiring new and expensive modern jeepneys must be addressed first before continuing with the implementation of the PTMP.

The traffic snarl was also aggravated by the heavy downpour in Quezon City and parts of Manila but despite the inclement weather, supporters of the PTMP continued on with their program in España.

According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), roughly 100 vehicles and 300 members of Angat Kooperatiba at Korporasyon ng Alyansang Pilipino para sa Modernisasyon (AKKAP MO) and San Pedro Transport Cooperative participated in the Welcome Rotonda rally.

Around 8:15 a.m., the rallyists were allowed to continue to Morayta and then to Mendiola where a short program was conducted.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said President Marcos still supports the government’s PUVMP or PTMP despite the Senate resolution.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) provided free rides to assist the commuters affected by the “unity walk.”

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