Philippines named Asia’s most congested country as MMDA concedes strategy reset

The Philippines recorded the highest traffic congestion level in Asia in 2025, placing the country at the top of the regional ranking in the latest TomTom Traffic Index. The index measured nationwide congestion at 45 percent, reflecting the average additional travel time motorists spend on the road due to traffic conditions.

Within the country, Davao City remained the most congested urban area, ranking 12th globally out of 482 cities assessed. The city posted a congestion level of 66.2 percent, with motorists losing an average of 168 hours a year to rush hour delays. A 10 kilometer drive in Davao takes about 34 minutes and 17 seconds under peak traffic conditions.

Manila also landed on the global list, ranking 40th worldwide and 12th in Asia. The capital registered a congestion level of 57 percent, with drivers losing an estimated 143 hours annually. Average travel time for a 10 kilometer trip in Metro Manila stands at roughly 31 minutes and 45 seconds during rush hour.

Following the release of the index, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acknowledged the findings and said current traffic management approaches would be reviewed. MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency is reassessing its strategies after the Philippines topped the regional congestion ranking.

“Because of that TomTom data, eh, we are back to the drawing board,” Torre said.

He said the MMDA plans to place stronger emphasis on traffic engineering and coordination with local governments and the Metro Manila Council, while working with technical institutions such as the University of the Philippines Project NOAH and the National Center for Transportation Studies to identify data driven measures aimed at improving traffic flow on major roads.

TomTom defines congestion as the additional time drivers spend on the road compared with free flow traffic. The index notes that higher congestion levels do not automatically translate to the slowest average speeds, as results are shaped by road design, infrastructure, and urban layout.