National

MAJOR ROADS WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING ASEAN SUMMIT – MMDA

admin November 13, 2026

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has assured motorists that major thoroughfares in Metro Manila will remain open during the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, with enhanced traffic management measures to keep vehicles moving and ensure convenient travel for the public.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the MMDA will implement security exclusion zones, alternate routes, and designated truck routes around ASEAN Summit venues to maintain smooth traffic flow while ensuring public safety.

To help maintain orderly traffic flow, Castro said the agency will deploy 2,637 personnel to manage traffic and assist motorists in affected areas.

NUMBER CODING SCHEME SUSPENDED FROM NOV 16-18

The MMDA will also temporarily suspend the number coding scheme from November 16 to 18, 2026, giving motorists greater flexibility as the agency implements traffic measures for the summit.

“Naglatag na rin ng traffic management plan ang ahensya para panatilihing mabilis ang daloy ng trapiko habang ginaganap ang ASEAN. Kasama sa nasabing traffic management plan ang pagpapatupad ng security exclusion zones, alternate routes at truck routes sa mga lugar na pagdarausan ng ASEAN,” Castro said.

MALL HOURS ADJUSTED

Meanwhile, Castro said mall operating hours in the National Capital Region will be adjusted to 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., except on weekends and holidays, from November 16 to December 25, 2026, and deliveries of non-perishable goods will also be limited to 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

In an interview with PTV Philippines, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office for Enforcement Director Victor Nuñez said exclusion zones would be established within the perimeter of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex, where only authorized personnel and vehicles with ASEAN stickers would be allowed entry.

“Ang traffic enforcers natin ang MMDA, kasama po ang HPG, PNP at mga local traffic enforcers ng LGU. Sila ang mangangasiwa sa maayos at episyenteng pagmando ng trapiko, yung pag-coordinate sa mga convoy ng mga delegado at pagpapatupad ng stop and go upang mabilis maiwasan yung pagkaantala ng mga daraan na mga delegates at mga heads of state,” Nunez added.