Sen. Joel Villanueva has cautioned the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on its plan to implement a drastically modified Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), also called number coding scheme, saying it might have adverse impacts on the economy and the people’s way of life.
“People want to go back to work as we are reopening the economy. The MMDA should make it clear with the Metro Manila Council that the modified coding scheme won’t be at the detriment of commuting workers and economic rejuvenation,” Villanueva said.
The senator was reacting to a social media post on April 9 by the MMDA pertaining to its modified number coding scheme in a bid to get the public pulse on the issue.
While the MMDA said it has consulted with government and transport groups on the proposed modified plan to solve traffic in Metro Manila, Villanueva said the agency should make sure the proposals address the recommendations of the economic managers on what would be the its effects on businesses and the workers.
“Traffic congestion does have adverse effects on the economy and the lives of everyone on the road,” Villanueva said.
He noted the MMDA should study if the 20 percent, 40 percent, or 50 percent volume reduction of vehicles in Metro Manila has a net positive impact on the economy.
The senator added that the proposed modified scheme should go hand-in- hand with an improved public transportation system. “Better public transportation services and alternatives should be offered if we are to reduce traffic congestion.”
The senator also reminded businesses and the government to fully implement the Telecommuting or Work From Home Law, especially in areas with severe traffic congestion.
“Until we can find a clear solution to our traffic and transport problem, alternative working arrangements remain viable options for workers and businesses,” he said.
Republic Act No. 11165, also known as the Telecommuting Act or the Work From Home Law which Villanueva authored and sponsored, enables employers to offer alternative work arrangement options to their employees. The law allows both employers and employees to mutually agree on terms and conditions for the alternative working arrangement, which should not be less than the minimum labor standards set by law.
“A lot of time is being wasted because of traffic. Instead of our workers being productive, they are stuck for two to three hours or more every day on the road just to get to work and back home,” Villanueva said.
“We need a traffic and transportation scheme that puts life back in livelihood,” he added.
In 2018, the Japan International Cooperation Agency reported that the economic cost of transportation in Metro Manila is at P3.5 billion a day, which was estimated to increase to P5.4 billion a day by 2035.
The economic cost of transportation refers to vehicle operating cost (e.g. wasted fuel) and the time spent by drivers and passengers on the road.