The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on May 8, 2025, the suspension of the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme, for Monday, May 12, 2025, to facilitate smooth travel during the national and local midterm elections.
This decision complements President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 878, which declared May 12 a special non-working holiday to encourage voter participation.
The number coding scheme, which restricts vehicles from Metro Manila roads based on license plate numbers to ease traffic, will be lifted to ensure the estimated 68.6 million registered voters, including 10 million workers, can reach polling precincts without hindrance.
MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes emphasized responsible driving and trip planning, urging motorists to prioritize safety on election day.
The suspension reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which is preparing for 18,320 positions to be filled, including senatorial and local posts.
This isn’t the first time the MMDA has adjusted coding for significant events. Similar suspensions occurred during Holy Week 2025, when provincial buses were also temporarily allowed on EDSA to accommodate holiday travelers.
The agency’s proactive approach, seen in its deployment of 2,542 personnel for traffic management during that period, underscores its focus on public convenience during high-traffic events like elections.
The suspension is a practical nod to the importance of every vote, fostering a sense of national unity and duty. The MMDA’s move invites citizens to embrace their democratic role, ensuring Metro Manila’s roads are open for a day of nation-building.
