MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the deployment of more than 1,300 personnel to manage expected heavy traffic around the Batasang Pambansa Complex during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the Saturday News Forum, the authority is completing its final preparations for the SONA, including a scheduled last inter-agency meeting on Monday. Miro advised that heavy traffic is anticipated along Commonwealth Avenue and near the Batasan area, particularly around 3 p.m. as dignitaries begin to arrive. The MMDA plans to deploy 1,329 personnel, consisting of traffic and parking management officers, road emergency responders, clearing and cleaning groups, and technical teams to ensure smooth traffic flow to and from the venue.
Furthermore, Miro clarified that no road closures are planned by the MMDA itself for July 22, indicating that decisions regarding road closures are typically made by security agencies based on situational needs. He stated, "Technically, the MMDA is not imposing any road closures. It is the security side that determines that," adding that roads would be closed only if there is a security or traffic concern due to public gatherings.