The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority advised motorists to use alternate routes on Monday, July 27, for the State of the Nation Address [1].
Traffic management is critical because the event is expected to generate heavy congestion along major arteries in Quezon City. The decision to keep traffic restrictions in place aims to prevent total gridlock during the presidential proceedings.
MMDA said the number-coding scheme would not be suspended for the event [1]. This means vehicles restricted by their license plate endings must still follow the daily rules to limit the volume of cars on the road.
Authorities said there would be heavy traffic specifically along Commonwealth Avenue and the Batasan area [1]. These zones serve as the primary corridors for those attending the address and are prone to severe delays during high-profile government events.
To mitigate the impact, the agency released alternate-route guidance for motorists in Quezon City [3]. The MMDA said drivers should avoid the immediate vicinity of the Batasan complex to ensure smoother transit across the city.
Traffic concerns extend beyond the city limits into surrounding corridors [2]. The agency said there is potential congestion in San Mateo and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, as commuters attempt to bypass the blocked areas of Quezon City [2].
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is delivering his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday [1]. The MMDA continues to monitor road conditions to manage the flow of vehicles throughout the day.
“The number-coding scheme would not be suspended for the event”
The decision to maintain the number-coding scheme indicates that the MMDA expects a higher-than-usual volume of traffic that cannot be managed by route diversions alone. By keeping restrictions in place, the government is prioritizing the movement of official convoys and security personnel over private commuter convenience during the fifth State of the Nation Address.
