The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has set a day and time when candidates can hold a caravan and motorcade in connection with Election 2022.
According to MMDA chairperson Benjamin Abalos Jr., there must be a rule on the conduct of such activities by the candidates because it causes a heavy burden on the flow of traffic, especially during rush hours.
“Number one, motorcades should only be on Saturdays and Sundays or holidays. Number two, it should only be in the mornings— 5:00 in the morning, the most is 10:00 [a.m.],” said Abalos in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
According to the rule, the MMDA will “regulate, evaluate, and issue permits” on caravans on the main streets of Metro Manila. Local governments will manage other roads for caravans and motorcades.
Event organizers must apply for a Roadway Private Utilization Permit (RPUP) with the MMDA and/or concerned LGUs.
They must disclose the details of the gathering, such as name, organization, date, time, route, expected number of vehicles to participate, program, and so on.
From there, the MMDA and local government will review the application. Consideration includes a “traffic management plan and undertaking of a public information and awareness campaign for the purpose.”
MMDA issues policy on caravans, motorcades of candidates in NCR
He said the organizer must also comply with the minimum public health standards set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), as well as other relevant laws such as Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
According to Abalos, violators of the policy will face fines.
“Ang mangyayari rito is of course, they will have their own penalties. Nakamonitor naman sa CCTV natin ‘yan at mananagot itong organizer,” he warned.
Last month, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said health and safety protocol violations committed during campaign activities in the 2022 elections are considered election offenses.
The campaign period for the national posts begins February 8, 2022, and will last until May 7, 2022. For local posts candidates, the campaign period will be from March 25, 2022, to May 7, 2022.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.