BY Noel Talacay
ORGANIZERS of election motorcades or caravans in major roads in Metro Manila need to apply for permits with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units where the caravans will pass through.
MMDA General Manager Romando Artes said the conduct of motorcades will be allowed only during weekends and holidays from 5 a.m. to 10 am.
Artes said caravan organizers should state in their applications the full details of their event, including the name of the event; organizations involved, date, time, route, estimated number of motor vehicles, program of activities, and other relevant details.
“The application for permit shall be evaluated and issued by the MMDA and/or the concerned Metro Manila LGUs, with the consideration of a traffic management plan and undertaking of a public information and awareness campaign for the purpose,” Artes explained.
He added that motorcade organizers should comply with relevant laws of the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases pertaining to minimum public health standards.
“The organizers should mobilize their own marshals and secure permit from LGUs. They should finish the motorcade at 10 a.m. Also, motorcade participants should stay in designated lanes to avoid inconvenience to the motoring public,” Artes said, adding that any violation or misrepresentation in the application shall be a ground for revocation of the permit.
Artes said the Marcos-Duterte caravan held yesterday had minimal impact to traffic, unlike last Wednesday when another motorcade featuring the Marcos-Duterte tandem caused a massive gridlock on Commonwealth Ave.
“Based on our assessment, the mega caravan launched by the supporters of Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio was orderly,” he said, adding at least 900 vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, buses, and SUVs, participated in the caravan that ended by 9 a.m.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the PNP will stop caravans and motorcades of candidates running in next year’s elections if they violate existing regulations.
“There should be no unnecessary stoppage of the caravans; they should be continuing, free-flowing and they should not occupy other lanes that are not allotted to them, and should be conducted within the given time,” he said. — With victor Reyes
