MANILA – Payday Friday traffic is going to be a doozy. 

The Metro Manila Development Authority said it is anticipating increased traffic in major thoroughfares from afternoon to evening due to payday Friday.

“Actually sa umaga na ma-manage naman natin ng maayos yung traffic at ang problema, ngayon nga is 28. Katapusan–its payday Friday, so we’re expecting so many people na lalabas at pupunta sa iba’t ibang lugar after ng kani kanilang opisina o trabaho,” Atty. Victor Nunez, MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director, said.

He said heavy traffic congestion is anticipated between 4:00 in the afternoon and 9:00 in the evening.

Major thoroughfares such as EDSA, C5, Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, and Quezon Avenue are expected to experience significant increase in commuter and motorist traffic.

Popular gathering spots where people usually unwind after work hours are likely to see a high volume of motorists and commuters during peak hours, Nunez said. 

“Sa kultura natin mga Pilipino especially kapag sweldo o katapusan, we find time to you know, unwind, go out with friends, officemates at minsan yung kasama pamilya… Alam natin na kapag payday Friday eh talagang lumalabas 'yung mga tao… so expected na maraming sasakyan sa kalsada,” he explained.

He encouraged motorists to inspect their vehicles before leaving, saying cars should be roadworthy to prevent breakdowns and minimize traffic disruptions.

“You have to plan your— kung ano man ang lakad niyo. Plan it well. Make sure that magbigay kayo ng palugit knowing na medyo mabigat ang daloy ng trapiko mamaya paglabas,” he said.