MANILA -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) led an operation targeting illegal loading and unloading activities and motorcycle lane violations along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday. 

Spearheaded by MMDA operations head Gabriel Go, the initiative aimed to curb traffic congestion and ensure safer thoroughfares for pedestrians and motorists alike.

“Ang role po natin dito is makatulong po na kahit papano magkaroon po tayo ng mabilisang aksyon na mapaluwag kahit papano ang kondisyon ng ating mga lansangan when it comes to traffic congestion and also mabigyan po ng maayos [at] isang safe na passage ang ating mga kababayan na gumagamit po ng sidewalk,” Go said.

Go emphasized the importance of continuous efforts in clearing operations across Metro Manila to address illegal parking and tackle obstructions on sidewalks. He stressed that these measures are essential for easing traffic congestion, particularly on major routes such as EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, and C5.

“Tuloy tuloy ang ating mga operasyon para mapaluwag ang ating mabuhay lanes, but also kahit papano mabigyan natin ng lunas yung mga problema natin because kita naman natin ang mga major thoroughfares [like] EDSA, Commonwealth, C5 napaka traffic po nito. So, one of the solutions ay ma utilize po ng buo ang ating mga mabuhay lanes [at] ang ating mga alternative routes,” he added.

The operation specifically targeted public utility vehicles engaged in unauthorized loading and unloading, as well as preventing private vehicles from using lanes meant for motorcycles. Go highlighted the significance of respecting designated lanes to facilitate smoother traffic flow and enhance safety for motorcycle riders.

During the operation, several violators were apprehended, including taxi driver Rogelio Villamor, who was caught crossing into the motorcycle lane. Go explained that Villamor had violated the traffic violations by crossing a solid line marking the motorcycle lane boundary.

Villamor, upon being apprehended, expressed confusion over the violation, claiming he was about to turn left.

“Hinuli lang ako bigla dito ako galing syempre kakaliwa na ko… Bakit ako hinuli, in-explain ko naman,” said Villamor.

Go clarified that while turning left is permitted, drivers must adhere to traffic markings, including solid lines indicating restrictions on lane charges.

“Pinara po natin siya because he violated ang tinatawag po nating MC or motorcycle lane. So pinapaliwanag ko po dun sa driver na yung signage po dun sa kalsada itself, yung broken line or yung solid line. Solid line meaning hindi po kayo pwedeng dumaan or di po kayo pwedeng mag cross so sinasabi ko sa kanila pinapaliwanag ko [na] masyado na po kayo nagbabad,” Go explained.

“Pinapaliwanag niya mag turn left daw po siya. However, nakita naman natin based on the apprehension, talagang nagbabad po siya and nandun na po siya sa solid line, which is bawal po siya mag-cross. So yun po pinapaliwanag ko, so the traffic sign or the traffic line sa ating kalsada is already a mere indication kung ano po yung bawal at kung ano po yung pwede,” he added.

The MMDA is actively working to address traffic issues by consistently enforcing clearing operations and seeking public cooperation. This ongoing effort underscores their commitment to improving traffic conditions. Go also emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving government agencies and citizens to maintain road safety and improve commuting conditions in the metro.