MMDA suspends road works ahead of Christmas season

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has temporarily suspended all road excavations in national and city roads in Metro Manila.

The suspension is meant to avoid worsening the expected heavy traffic congestion to be brought by the Christmas season.

In an advisory on Saturday (October 31), the MMDA said that the temporary suspension of road works will take effect on Sunday (November 1) at 12 a.m.

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It will last until December 23 at 12 a.m.

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“This is intended to minimize disruptions and ensure a smoother journey for motorists, given the expected increase in the number of vehicles as the Christmas season approaches,” the agency stated.

READ: DPWH to close EDSA southbound lanes for repairs on Undas weekend

Meanwhile, under Memorandum Circular No. 20 Series of 2026, the following government infrastructure projects and emergency repairs are exempted by the moratorium:

• Government flagship projects
• Department of Public Works and Highways bridge repairs and constructions
• Flood interceptor catchment project (box culvert)
• Asphalt overlay projects without reblocking works
• Sidewalk improvement
• Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects
• Emergency leak repairs or breakage of water line by the Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc.
• New water service connection or electrical service connections
• Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only)
• Meralco relocation or emergency works affecting major government projects
• Other projects permitted by the MMDA following the filing of a due application /apl