The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the local government units (LGUs) of Pasig City, Marikina City, Antipolo City, and Cainta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen coordinated traffic and transport management along Marcos Highway.
The initiative supports the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to pursue stronger coordination among government agencies and local government units in addressing traffic congestion and improving mobility and transportation services.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes led the MOU signing at the MMDA Headquarters in Pasig City. Artes was joined by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro, Cainta Mayor Johnielle Keith Nieto, and Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro Ynares III.
The MMDA chief emphasized that the MOU seeks to establish a unified approach to addressing traffic congestion, road obstructions, and other traffic concerns along Marcos Highway, which traverses several jurisdictions.
“The MMDA and participating LGUs will prioritize the continuous clearing of Marcos Highway within their respective jurisdictions of obstructions, illegally parked or stalled vehicles, unauthorized terminals and structures, as well as ambulant vendors and peddlers occupying sidewalks and other public spaces that impede the free flow of traffic.”
“Under the agreement, the MMDA and participating LGUs will prioritize the continuous clearing of Marcos Highway within their respective jurisdictions of obstructions, illegally parked or stalled vehicles, unauthorized terminals and structures, as well as ambulant vendors and peddlers occupying sidewalks and other public spaces that impede the free flow of traffic,” the MMDA head said.
The parties will also ensure that Marcos Highway is adequately manned and supervised at all times. The participating LGUs will likewise provide sufficient traffic personnel along local inner roads connecting to Marcos Highway, subject to the availability of personnel and resources.
Sotto expressed his appreciation for the MMDA’s initiative.
“The portion of Marcos Highway within Pasig is only about 70 meters. We are very thankful to the MMDA, especially under the leadership of Chairman Artes, for this initiative,” the mayor said.
Teodoro likewise expressed her support for the MOU.
“This is a good effort to unify traffic management. It would be a great help for Marikina,” the lady mayor said.
Nieto welcomed the initiative, saying, “I thank the MMDA for taking the lead on this effort.”
“We are more than willing to be part of a unified system.”
Ynares III also expressed his support, saying, “We are more than willing to be part of a unified system.”
The agreement was prompted by the severe traffic congestion experienced along Marcos Highway on December 6, 2025, when motorists endured a traffic standstill lasting nearly six hours, with some experiencing prolonged delays until the early hours of December 7.
Following the incident, officials from the MMDA and traffic management heads of Antipolo, Cainta, Marikina, and Pasig met at the MMDA Headquarters on December 9, 2025, to discuss traffic adjustments and identify possible measures to prevent a recurrence of a similar situation.
Through the MOU, the MMDA and the four LGUs reaffirm their commitment to a more coordinated, responsive, and efficient traffic management system along Marcos Highway for the benefit of motorists, commuters, and the public.
