Comelec to ban motorcades on major roads

MANILA -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes on Friday said the poll body will regulate political motorcades on some 18 major thoroughfares in Metro Manila during the campaign period.

Brillantes clarified that they will not prohibit motorcades, but will make sure these do not aggravate the bad traffic situation.

He said the Comelec will not allow motorcades on major roads during rush hour and other hours where they may cause heavy traffic.

"Kung gusto niyo sa EDSA between 2am to 4am," Billantes joked.

EDSA, Taft Avenue, Rizal Avenue and C-5 are among the affected thoroughfares.

Brillantes said campaign motorcades can still use the sidewalks.

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had asked the Comelec not to allow political caravans on major roads, saying they worsen traffic congestion. [https://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/metro-manila/04/05/13/should-govt-ban-motorcades-major-roads]

MMDA chief Francis Tolentino said the ban does not seek to curb the rights of politicians to campaign but only accords respect to the rights of motorists and commuters.

The MMDA wants to implement the ban immediately until a day before the May elections. -- With ANC