The DILG – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) in collaboration with the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), conducted the “Consultation with Stakeholders on Road Clearing Operations and Ordinances on Street Pay Parking and E-Trike/E-Bike Regulation” last March 12, 2024 at Barangay Holy Spirit Covered Court, Quezon City to provide a platform for sectoral discussion on the situation, challenges, and recommendations to improve the Metro Manila traffic. The consultation brought together representatives from key National Government Agencies, 17 NCR Local Government Units, private sector, and civil society organizations to surface issues and concerns and identify strategic action steps on transportation and traffic management.

In his keynote message, Atty. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr., Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, emphasized the critical importance of coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling on MMDA’s exclusive authority to enforce traffic laws, rules and regulations in Metro Manila. Secretary Abalos further highlighted the importance of a robust mass transport system complemented by efficient traffic management and policy enforcement by concerned NGAs and LGUs within the metro. “Importante na makita natin ang pananaw ninyo, mag-usap tayo ngayong hapon . …that is the purpose of today’s discussion,” Secretary Abalos added, stressing the importance of the consultation activity in ensuring participatory governance.

During the plenary, MMDA presented the latest traffic situation in Metro Manila and the DILG-NCR, through Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV discussed the top ten (10) priority government proposals on traffic management identified by NCR LGUs. Three panel discussions were held to discuss concerns on e-Trike/e-Bike Regulation, Road Clearing Operations, and Street Pay Parking. Presenters from concerned NGAs discussed relevant policy issuances and implementation statuses followed by an open discussion where panelists addressed questions and concerns raised by participants.

The event was graced by officials of the DILG including Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III, Undersecretary for Local Government; Felicito A. Valmocina, Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs; Atty. Lord A. Villanueva, Undersecretary for Operations; Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon, Assistant Secretary for Community Participation; NBOO Director Dennis D. Villasenor, MNSA, CESO IV; Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) Director Debie T. Torres, CESO IV; DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III; and DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV. Ret. P/Col. Procopio Lipana, General Manager of the MMDA, Atty. Victor Maria Nunez, Director III for Enforcement, Traffic Discipline Office, MMDA, and Dir. Julius N. Leonen, Director III, PCO, were also present during the consultation activity. Representatives from MMDA, LTO, DPWH-NCR, NCRPO, BFP-NCR, PMS, PCO; representatives from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI-NCR), Move As One Coalition, Make It Safer Movement; and 126 participants from TPMO, TRU, Liga ng Mga Barangay, SP Committee on Traffic, Transportation and Franchise, and Mabuhay Lane Barangays from all NCR LGUs actively participated in the consultation meeting.