San Miguel to Resume Work on Skyway Extension on May 15

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will resume construction of the Skyway Extension project, halted by two months of community quarantine, on Friday, May 15 following the issuance of guidelines by the government’s Inter Agency Task Force (IATF).

SMC, through its San Miguel Infrastructure, is the concession holder of the Metro Manila Skyway.

With its contractor returning to the job site, SMC said the development will partially mitigate delay in the delivery of the project, originally scheduled for December 2020. The company however said it is unable to determine yet a new completion date, given that only a limited number of workers can be deployed by contractor EEI Corporation as part of the quarantine measures identified.

The project is seen as key to reducing traffic in southern Metro Manila, particularly the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Alabang area while allowing motorists from the south direct access to the elevated Skyway and beyond.

“We have been given the go-signal by government to resume work on the Skyway extension, and while we cannot yet go full blast, we will do whatever we can to deliver this project as close as we can to the original deadline. We have to work smart, be efficient, and most of all, keep the workers safe,” said SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang.

For a one-month period, Skyway management said that it will close about 700 meters of Lane 3 of the Skyway At-Grade section northbound from the old Alabang Entry Plaza.

This is to enable workers to install scaffoldings to build the columns for Pier 34- 49.

Skyway assured that safety, sanitation and other health measures are already in place at the construction site, even prior to the resumption of construction.

Workers will follow the basic rules of social distancing and put on face masks and gloves. There will also be adequate hand sanitation and disinfecting facilities including the availability of soap, water, and hand sanitizer.

Workers will also be housed in on-site facilities provided by the company.

Commuters Choose Private Cars Over Public Transportation to Avoid Coronavirus Exposure

There may be a silver lining for the auto industry: wary commuters may choose private vehicles over public transportation to avoid exposure to COVID-19. This information is based on information collected by Bloomberg across major cities which have eased lockdowns during the past few weeks.

For example, major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have all reported higher traffic volumes now compared to a year ago, while subway use is well below average—as much as 53 percent down compared to pre-COVID-19 levels.

Bloomberg quotes Apple Maps data, which collected data from 27 world cities. It showed that driving directions are recovering faster than directions for mass transit. Berlin, Germany, one of the first European cities to relax its lockdown, public transportation usage remains 61 below normal, while the number of people driving has recovered to 28 percent below normal. The same trend in visible in Madrid, Spain where driving is 68 percent below normal levels, while use of public transportation remains down 87 percent.

As more people start getting behind the driver’s seat, and may be considering to buy a private vehicle, this will have an effect on fuel prices and aggressive post-lockdown offers. In the U.S. for instance, gasoline consumption is starting to pick up to 30 percent below normal levels (versus 50 percent below normal a few weeks ago). Furthermore, carmakers are starting to dial back on aggressive financing and deferred payment programs based on information gathered by Automotive News as the supply-and-demand tips the favor back to the dealerships.

Virus fears, soft economy, and relatively cheap gasoline could spur more people to purchase private vehicles, but there’s one type that’s expected to perform poorly, at least in the short term: electric vehicles. Bloomberg forecasts that sales of EVs will barely exceed 2019, and depending on how the pandemic plays out, the outlook can even be bleaker. True enough, in China, sales of EVs are down 43 percent year-on-year in April.

In the Philippines, as more areas begin shifting from the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), several employers have started drumming up their own return-to-work plans and scenarios. This includes prioritizing those who own private vehicles to report to work first. Whether or not Metro Manila will follow the trend set by other world cities remains to be seen.

People are Now Using Their Parked Cars to Get Peace and Quiet

With home quarantine measures in place around the world, some people are finding private space in the most unlikely of spaces: their own car.

Even with travel restrictions in place, up to 1.2 million motorists in the U.K., people are actually using their cars to get some peace and quiet during the COVID-19 lockdown. The survey of 2,000 drivers was conducted by car brand Škoda, and can be an insight as to what drivers miss the most about driving.

With over a third (39 percent) of U.K. motorists currently working from home, drivers are using their parked cars for a range of different activities. Potentially up to 1.2 million motorists there (8 percent), are retreating to their parked car to get some time alone away from the family, whilst in London it rises to more than a fifth (23 percent) who are finding solace in their car. A further 7 percent are using their vehicle’s infotainment system to listen to music, the radio, or a podcast.

Ever resourceful, over 20 percent of respondents stated that they have found alternative uses for their cars whilst they remain stationary outside their homes, including as a place to watch TV on a mobile phone or tablet device (3 percent), taking a nap (3 percent), and even as an interim playground for the kids (2 percent).

The research also found that while the living room is the most popular room at home to work in, 13 percent of motorists are considering using their car as a makeshift office space, possibly as those working from home have found that their current environment has caused back ache from uncomfortable seating (32 percent) or that they have struggled to find a quiet place in the home to focus (26 percent).

Vehicle owners in the U.K. are also taking greater care of their cars during lockdown, with 22 percent reporting that they are washing their car more regularly, and a further one in five are cleaning the interior more often than usual.

The findings show the cleanest cars are in London, with 17 percent of car owners admitting to cleaning their car once a day since lockdown began.

Although motorists may be unable to get out in their vehicles at the moment, aside from essential journeys, 13 percent say that they have headed into the driver’s seat to dream about their post lockdown road trip.

COVID-19 Helps LTFRB Fast Track Bus Route Rationalization

If there’s one positive thing to come out of this COVID-19 pandemic, it actually fast tracked the LTFRB’s plan to rationalize the local public transportation system, particularly the buses.

In a GMA News report, the regulatory body responsible for public transportation in the Philippines will only allow one single bus route dedicated on EDSA once the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is lifted.

According to LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra, out of the 96 bus routes that crisscross Metro Manila, only 29 bus routes will be given a special franchise. For instance, EDSA will only have one route. Other trips that were previously served by buses that also traverse EDSA will now be served by separate and dedicated bus routes.

GMA News gave this example:

Under this new scheme, a commuter traveling from Fairview to Makati would have to get on a bus at Fairview and get off at EDSA. He would then get on a bus on the EDSA route and get off at Ayala, from where he may get on another bus to reach his destination in Makati.

Delgra says that these new routes may replace existing ones permanently as part of the DOTr’s public utility vehicle modernization program.

LRT-1 Cavite Extension Restarts Work; Portion of Cavitex-Paranaque Bridge to Close Until May 22

LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has resumed work on the 11.7-kilometer Cavite Extension Project after receiving the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is still in place.

The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge has started yesterday and will end May 22, 2020. As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.

Design works, assembly works, and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.

Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1.

Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s ECQ enforced in Luzon.

“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.

Yes, You Drive Safer with Doggos on Board

Travelling with a pet dog in the car helps motorists to drive more cautiously and reduces stress behind the wheel, that’s according to a research done by Spanish carmaker, SEAT.

A subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group says that in their study, it revealed that traveling with four-legged friends help their owners drive safer with over half (54 percent) admitting they drive more carefully with their furry companions onboard.

The influence of having a doggo on board may be even more pronounced among younger drivers. Recognized as among the most at-risk age group on the roads, over two thirds (69 percent) of motorists aged 18-24 said they drive more carefully with their dog in the car.

Older drivers were least affected by their in-car canines, with 42 percent of over 55 saying that travelling with their dogs makes them drive in a more cautious manner.

As well as driving more cautiously, the presence of a dog in the car also appears to benefit mental health by reducing drivers’ stress levels. This could even help ease road rage for some motorists as over a third of drivers (35 percent) said that they feel calmer at the wheel if their dog is travelling in the car with them.

Department of Transport Issues Guidelines for Public, Private Vehicles Under GCQ

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has now released the full guidelines concerning both public and private transportation in areas where the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) is in place. Here’s what you can expect:

In General:

• Mandatory wearing of face masks.
• Passenger load shall not exceed 50 percent or half of a vehicle’s seating capacity (not including driver and conductor).
• Passengers are advised to take note of their public transportation trips for contact tracing.
• Number coding for public transport vehicles is lifted during GCQ.
• For operators, a special permit to operate under GCQ is required. This is free of charge and can be applied for at the LTFRB.

At Terminals:

• Mandatory checking of body temperature.
• Establishment of disinfecting facility with alcohol or soap and water at all entrances.
• Social distancing measures shall be observed at all times, even when waiting in line.

Which PUVs are Allowed to Operate:
The DOTr has come up with a specific priority of which PUVs are allowed to operate. Only if that specific mode of transport is not available in an area, then the succeeding form of public transport will be allowed:

1. Buses
2. Modern PUVs
3. Jeepneys / UV Express
4. Tricycle

For Buses:

• Provincial buses are not allowed to stop, pick-up, or drop-off passengers in areas where ECQ is still in effect.

For Public Utility Jeepneys:

• There will be limited operation of PUJs (see Which PUVs are Allowed to Operate) and these will be subject to LTFRB guidelines.

For UV Express:

• Only two passengers per row are allowed (one passenger in front, and two passengers for each row of the vehicle).

For Taxis and TNVS:

• They will be allowed to operate, but subject to physical distancing (one passenger in front, and two passengers for each row of the vehicle) and sanitary practices.
• Multiple bookings in a single trip for TNVS is not allowed.

For Motorcycle Taxis:

• The operation of motorcycle taxis shall remain prohibited until the enactment of an enabling law.

For Tricycles:

• Tricycles may be allowed to operate to deliver “feeder” public transport services subject to operational guidelines.
• No riding behind the driver.
• Only one passenger in side car.

For Private Vehicles:

• Allowed to travel only for accessing essential goods and services (including work if employed).
• Social distancing must also be observed in private vehicles (one passenger in front, and two passengers for each row of the vehicle).
• Passengers for motorcycles will not be allowed with no exemptions.

Enhanced Community Quarantine Over NCR, Selected Areas Extended to May 15

It’s official: the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) is being extended once more to May 15, 2020. In a televised address, President Rodrigo Duterte says the ECQ will remain up over Metro Manila until the middle of May, and the ECQ coverage will be expanded as well.

Aside from Metro Manila, ECQ will now cover the following areas:

• Benguet
• Pangasinan
• Bataan
• Bulacan
• Nueva Ecija
• Pampanga
• Tarlac
• Zambales
• Batangas
• Laguna
• Cavite
• Rizal
• Quezon
• Albay
• Mindoro (Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro)
• Catanduanes

The ECQ will also be expanded to cover high-risk areas in Visayas and Mindanao:

• Antique
• Iloilo
• Cebu
• Cebu City
• Davao del Norte
• Davao City

The rest of the country will be placed under general quarantine starting May 1, meaning people are allowed to go out of their homes for as long as social distancing requirements are met, and public transportation will resume at a reduced capacity.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases recommended the extension to the President after experts warned that lifting restrictions too soon could spark a second wave of infections.

The May 15 lifting target is the second extension.

Waze Reveals Manila Traffic Data During ECQ, Activates COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Waze has activated its community and network of partners across its Volunteer Communities, Waze for Cities programs, and more, to support crisis response.

Waze data shows that across the world, most countries have dramatically stopped driving. Globally, Waze users are driving 60 percent fewer kilometers compared to the February daily average for a two-week period (2/11/2020-2/25/2020).

With the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) measures in place, Waze users in the Philippines are also driving significantly less (88 percent fewer kilometers) compared to the same February daily average. This is in line with trends elsewhere around the world.

Despite the overall decrease in the number of people on the road, there are still essential journeys that need to be made, such as to purchase food and other necessities, which is why Waze believes that its data can help users plan their drives more effectively.

To support this, Waze Map Editors and Waze Crisis Response team are currently working with 58 countries (and counting) to add region-specific relief efforts including road closures, red zones, and more, to the map.

In the Philippines, Waze has added COVID-19 Reference Laboratories in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao to its map. Waze users can now locate the nearest medical testing center by typing “COVID” or “covid” in the destination search bar.

Waze highly encourages its users to take precautions and follow local guidelines during the lockdown. With this, a “Luzon Quarantine” notification will appear every 24 hours on-screen on the app, to remind Luzon-based users about the ongoing ECQ. The notification will display the following message: “Travel is allowed only for buying essentials or if you work in an essential industry”.

Waze has also launched a COVID-19 Landing Page asking governments around the world to contribute data on medical testing center and emergency food distribution center locations to help improve its maps for users. Once the data is received, Waze will validate and add the details to the map, and then inform drivers accordingly.

Another initiative that Waze has quickly rolled out is support for drive-thru and curbside pickup to help provide users with minimal contact access to Waze’s partners products, such as food and other essentials, while remaining compliant with social distancing guidelines with new Location Personalities badges and search features. Businesses who need to update their information can do so in a few simple steps or contact Waze’s support team for help.

More Than 2,000 Healthcare Front Liners Avail of SMC's Toll-Free RFID Stickers

Following a move to waive toll fees for all medical practitioners last week, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) reported that some 2,000 doctors and nurses have already availed of toll-free RFID stickers valid at the STAR tollway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Skyway system, NAIAX, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

“We started this initiative not only to show support for our medical front liners and government but also to inspire more businesses to step up their responses all the more and play their part in fighting the battle against COVID-19,” said SMC president Ramon S. Ang. “We know this is a small thing, considering the significance of what of our doctors and nurses are faced with every day, but this is one way we can serve them as they serve our country.”

Ang also assured the public that all SMC Infrastructure-operated tollways will continue to be operational, and extend full support to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in enforcing the Luzon-wide quarantine, while ensuring the unimpeded flow of essential goods and personnel.

In the first two weeks of the ECQ that started last March 15, SMC’s  tollways unit reported an 80 percent drop in vehicle volume from an average of 300,000 daily, at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which connects Metro Manila to Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Quezon, to as far as the Bicol region.

Recently, Ang emphasized that the loss of business and profits at this time when the country is dealing with a global pandemic, is not nearly as important as saving lives.

“Saving lives is always more important than money. We need to have a healthy population, reduce the number of individuals who can potentially get sick and die. We can always rebuild and make money in the process. Once a life is lost, it’s gone forever,” he said.

For now, only vehicles containing essential goods and services are allowed by the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IAFT-EID) to travel on most roads, including the SLEX, Skyway, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), NAIA Expressway Tollway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Apart from providing free use of the expressway for medical front liners, SLEX has also designated priority lanes for medical practitioners and vehicles carrying essential goods such as medical supplies, medical equipment, food, and raw materials for food.

Metro Pacific Follows SMC's Lead, Makes Tollways Free for Medical Front Liners

Two days after San Miguel Corporation announced that medical front liners can use its tollways for free, Metro Pacific Corporation has now followed suit.

Metro Pacific which operates the NLEX, NLEX Harbor Link, SCTEX, Cavitex, CALAX, and C5 South Link are now toll free for all medical personnel. With that, medical personnel will need to present their PRC License Card to get a specially-tagged RFID sticker.

It’s currently available at two locations: the Balintawak Toll Plaza Customer Service Center and the Cavitex Service Center (before the Parañaque Toll Plaza) starting today, March 30 from 8:30 AM to 4 PM.

Both San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific Corporation promise to have more RFID installation locations soon.

Medical Front Liners Can Use SMC Tollways for Free

San Miguel Corporation is waiving toll on all its expressways for medical front liners working tirelessly to save lives in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.

Through its SMC Infrastructure, the company said the following toll roads will be free of toll for all health care professionals for the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine: STAR Tollway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIAX, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

“This is the least we can do to show our appreciation and gratitude for our doctors and nurses’ who are working under extremely challenging circumstances to save lives. Considering the sacrifices they make on a daily basis, this is a small gesture. But nevertheless, we hope it helps make life a bit easier for them, and remind them that what they do for all us is deeply appreciated,” said SMC President Ramon S. Ang.

To avail of the toll-free privilege, medical personnel need to secure a special RFID sticker from SMC Tollways, or have their existing RFID sticker converted.

These may be availed at temporary booths the company has set up, initially, at the Shell Magallanes gas station and the NAIAx toll gate, from 8 AM to 7 PM.

Medical practitioners only need to present their PRC license card. An SMC tollway personnel will install the toll-free RFID stickers on their vehicles or convert their existing stickers to toll-free stickers.

The company said it will make the toll-free RFID stickers available at other major locations soon.

“We hope that with this program, our medical front liners would have one less thing to worry about,” Ang added.

Earlier, SMC also announced that it opened priority lanes at the SLEX to help ensure the unimpeded flow of essential goods such as medical supplies and equipment as well as food and raw materials.

The company is also undertaking a massive, nationwide effort to provide free rubbing alcohol to medical practitioners in hospitals as well as other vital agencies and institutions.

Under Ang, the company is also distributing food donations to vulnerable communities affected by the quarantine, as well as hospitals all over Metro Manila.

SLEX to Set Up Priority Lanes for Basic Goods, Emergency Services

SMC Tollways has assigned priority lanes at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to ensure efficient delivery of basic goods and emergency health services to and from Metro Manila and neighboring provinces in the south.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and COO Ramon S. Ang said these priority lanes along SLEX will ensure the unimpeded flow of delivery trucks that carry basic goods to various areas, raw materials to production facilities as well as vehicles that bring medical personnel, equipment, and supplies.

“We are doing this to guarantee that essential deliveries reach their destination as smoothly and quickly as possible,” Ang said, adding that “These same lanes can also be used by emergency health vehicles to quickly get to places in need of medical attention,” he added.

For faster processing of vehicles, companies are advised to prepare the government-required cargo documents and for delivery personnel to follow checkpoint procedures.

PNP’s inspection teams are located before the Susana Heights exit (southbound) and along the Alabang-Filinvest Interchange before SLEX Alabang northbound exit. These inspection teams, like in other areas in the country, were established to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Earlier, SMC Tollways also announced safety measures to protect both motorists and tollway employees. These include the availability of alcohol dispensers at all toll plazas and SMC Tollways facilities, the wearing of face masks and surgical gloves by tellers and traffic personnel, and the sanitation of toll booths and patrol vehicles before and after each shift.

To prevent contamination and hasten traffic flow, SMC Tollways is encouraging the use of RFID facility to reduce the chance of contamination and hasten traffic flow going in and out of Metro Manila.

Luzon's Now Under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Here's What It Means

The first workday after the implementation of the NCR’s Community Quarantine, Malacañang has opted to bump things up to an Enhanced Community Quarantine for the entire area of Luzon. This takes effect 12:00 AM from Tuesday, March 17 to 12:00 AM on Monday, April 13.

The decision was formalized by President Rodrigo Duterte via a recorded message addressed to the Filipino people. After that, details were ironed out by the President’s various cabinet secretaries.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The period of Enhanced Community Quarantine may be shortened (or extended) depending on the daily meeting of the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease.
• Mass gathering is not allowed. With that, all public parks, beaches, basketball courts will be closed, and loitering at all times of day is not allowed.
• All mass transportation (LRT, MRT, buses, PUJs, taxis, TNVS, tricycles) is suspended.
• Outbound international air travel is allowed at any time for all persons except for Filipino tourists. Outbound domestic air travel has been suspended. International travelers can leave their house or hotel 24 hours before their scheduled departure.
• Inbound air travel is allowed for repatriating Filipinos and long-term visa holders subject to health and/or quarantine procedures.
• Departing passengers may be accompanied by one (1) person when traveling to any international port. They must present proof such as travel itinerary, or e-ticket.
• Everyone is quarantined to their respective homes with the exception for those who are purchasing basic necessities such as food or medicine. In these cases, only one (1) person from each household is allowed to go out (no driver, spouse, siblings, children, etc.).
• Provisions for food and essential health services will be regulated.
• Exempted from the home quarantine are: health care workers, peace and order officers, workers who work in private establishments that cater to basic necessities (see below).
• Proof of residence and employment (for those working in exempted industries) must be carried at all times, and may be required at checkpoints.
• Malls are closed.
• Private establishments catering to food (supermarkets, wet markets, public markets, groceries, food preparation and delivery, water re-filling), medicine (pharmacy, drug stores, medical clinics, medicine production), banks (including money transfer services), utilities (telecommunications, gasoline stations) will remain open. Restaurants are allowed to remain open provided they only prepare food for takeout and delivery only.
• In these establishments, they will operate with a skeletal workforce and will practice proper social distancing.
• Food deliveries such as those from Food Panda and Grab Food are allowed to operate.
• For establishments that will remain open, employees will have to either take private transportation or walk. Local Government Units (LGUs) can organize shuttles if required.
• For people with private vehicles, transit to and from these approved establishments is allowed.
• Hotels are not allowed to accept new bookings during the quarantine period. Guests who have existing bookings or guests with existing long-term accommodations are allowed to stay.
• There will be heightened uniformed presence (police and military).
• Cargo can flow in and out of Luzon unimpeded.
• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and export-related establishments will remain open, but will require their employees to be housed in a temporary staff housing by Friday, March 20).
• Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are not allowed to operate.
• Health Checkpoints surrounding NCR will still be implemented. This will be supplemented by roving patrols.
• Several exits are closed on NLEX and SCTEX. Follow them on Twitter to get the latest update on which exits are opened and closed. Only vehicles carrying uniformed personnel on official business, health workers, medical staff, media reporters with special passes, and those transiting to and from purchasing basic necessities are allowed to pass.
• CAVITEX, C5 Link, and CALAX will remain open.
• SLEX will remain open but will have checkpoints at the following locations: Calamba Toll Plaza NB; Alabang Exit NB, Cabuyao SB; Southwoods SB; Eton SB; Mamplasan SB; Susana Heights SB; Sto. Tomas SB; Magallanes SB.
• STAR will remain open but will have checkpoints at the following locations: Tanauan (SB); Malvar (NB/SB); Lipa National Highway before NB Entry; Ibaan National Road after NB exit; Balagas after SB exit.
• All operations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Luzon has been suspended. Therefore, deadline for registration of motor vehicles and renewal of licenses that expire during the Enhanced Community Quarantine can until the end of April 2020 with no penalties. Validity of all student permits will also be extended.

With the cancellation of public transportation, the DOTr with start to deploy buses to serve front line health workers. These are their routes as of March 19.

North West Area (Staging Area: Valenzuela Gateway Complex)

• Malanday
• Valenzuela City General Hospital
• Monumento / MCU
• Tondo General Hospital
• Metropolitan Medical Center
• San Lazaro Hospital
• Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center
• University of Sto. Tomas Hospital
• Chinese General Hospital
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

North West Area (Staging Area: Valenzuela Gateway Complex)

• Valenzuela Gateway Complex
• Quezon City General Hospital
• Balintawak
• Philippine Orthopedic
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

North East Area (Staging Area: SM Fairview / LTO East Avenue)

• Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial (Caloocan)
• SM Fairview
• Diliman Doctors Hospital
• Veterans Memorial Medical Center
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Philippine Heart Center
• East Avenue Medical Center
• Philippine Childrens Hospital
• Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Avenue)

East Area (Staging Area: BFCT East Marikina Terminal)

• SM City Masinag
• Marikina Valley Medical Center
• Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center
• BFCT East Metro Transport Center
• Araneta Center Bus Terminal
• Robinsons Gallery
• The Medical City - Ortigas

East Area (Staging Area: SM City East Ortigas / BFCT East Marikina Terminal)

• Ortigas Hospital and Healthcare (Cainta)
• SM City East Ortigas
• Pasig City General Hospital
• The Medical City Ortigas
• Robinsons Galleria
• VRP Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - E. Rodriguez
• Rizal Medical Center

Central Area (Staging Area: MRT-3 Cubao Station / LTO East Avenue)

• Centris Station (EDSA / Quezon Avenue)
• Providence Hospital
• Capitol Medical Center
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)
• UERM Memorial Medical Center
• National Childrens Hospital
• De Los Santos Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - E. Rodriguez
• MRT-3 Cubao Station

Central Area (Staging Area: PITX & Robinsons Galleria P2P Stop)

• The Medical City - Ortigas
• Robinsons Galleria
• Cardinal Santos Medical Center
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
• Santa Ana Hospital
• Makati Medical Center

South East Area (Staging Area: South Station & RITM)

• RITM
• Asian Hospital and Medical Center
• Muntinlupa City Hospital
• South Station
• SLEX Sucat Exit
• Bicutan Exit
• Makati Medical Center
• St. Lukes Medical Center - BGC

South East Area (Staging Area: PITX & Vista Mall, Daang Hari)

• Vista Mall, Daang Hari
• Perpetual Help Medical Center (Las Pinas)
• Las Pinas General Hospital
• Baclaran Market
• San Juan de Dios Educational Medical Center
• Pasay City General Hospital
• Adventist Medical Center
• Makati Medical Center
• Philippine General Hospital
• Manila Doctors Hospital
• United Doctors Medical Center (Welcome Rotonda)

The routes are still subject to change depending on the data and requests coming from the Department of Health (DOH).

The bus service will likewise comply with the DOH containment protocols such as the observance of social distancing, body temperature checks, and regular disinfecting of vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) will also start deploying buses to serve health care workers. Their routes are as follows:

• Route 1: RITM Alabang — Magallanes SLEX MRT (via Osmeña Highway, via Quirino Ave.) — Taft Ave. LRT — PGH / UP-NIH — Lawton LRT — Carriedo LRT — Recto LRT — Tayuman LRT — Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
• Route 2: Heritage Hotel EDSA ext (via Roxas Blvd., via Quirino Ave.) — Taft Ave. LRT — PGH / UP-NIH — Manila City Hall (via Quiapo) — UST Hospital — UDMC (via Welcome Rotonda, via Quezon Ave.) — Phil. Orthopedic Center (Banawe, via Araneta Ave. — EDSA Quezon Ave. MRT.
• Route 3: SM MOA Globe EDSA — EDSA Taft LRT / MRT — Magallanes MRT — Guadalupe MRT — Shaw MRT — Cubao MRT / LRT2 (via Aurora Blvd., via C5 ext.) — QMMC (via C5 / Marcos Highway) — Santolan LRT2 — Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta.
• Route 4: EDSA ext. / Macapagal Ave. — EDSA Taft LRT / MRT — Magallanes MRT — Shaw MRT — Cubao MRT / LRT2 — East Ave. Medical Center — Phil. Heart Center — Lung Center of the Phils. (via Quezon Memorial Circle) — VMMC (via EDSA) — Monumento LRT.
• Route 5: SM Fairview (via Commonwealth Ave, via Quezon Memorial Circle) — East Ave. Medical Center — Phil. Heart Center — Lung Center of the Phils. (via Agham Road, via Quezon Ave.) — Phil. Orthopedic Center — UDMC (Welcome Rotonda, via España) — UST Hospital — Lawton LRT.
• Route 6: Balintawak LRT — Quezon Ave. MRT — GMA – Kamuning MRT — Cubao MRT — Santolan–Annapolis MRT — Ortigas MRT — EDSA cor. Kalayaan Ave. — Ayala MRT — Magallanes MRT — Heritage Hotel EDSA ext.

This page will be updated with more information.

UPDATED: Here's What You Can Expect as NCR Goes Into Community Quarantine

UDPATE: Luzon is now placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Read what it means here (3/16).

With the COVID-19 outbreak causing the National Capital Region (NCR) to go into Community Quarantine mode, Malacañang as well as other agencies has issued the official guidelines which take effect starting Sunday, March 15 at 12:00 AM to Tuesday, April 14, 12:00 AM.

Here’s what you can expect (Note: the information presented here is out of date. Please read about the Enhanced Community Quarantine here.)

• The NCR is now under a Community Quarantine. This limits the movement of people to accessing basic necessities and work. Uniformed personnel and quarantine officers will also be present to control the borders.
• Local government units are encouraged to enact a curfew in their respective cities from 8 PM to 5 AM to limit non-essential movement. Only workers and those involved in essential services are exempted from the curfew. So far the following cities have chosen to implement it:Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranque, Pasay, Pasig, San Juan, Taguig, Quezon City.
• The number coding scheme is suspended indefinitely, including Makati.
• The MMDA is encouraging business establishments such as shopping malls to close down during the community quarantine lockdown period. However, groceries, pharmacies, banks, and restaurants with home deliveries, and other essential establishments should be allowed to operate.
• Malls have opted for shortened operating hours during the community quarantine period with most opening at 11 AM and closing at 7 PM. That said, several malls including The Powerplant Mall in Makati, those in the Greenhills Shopping Center, Ayala Malls, and Robinsons Malls opted to close completely except for supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores, and banks.
• An enhanced community quarantine can also be implemented if needed. Once in place, it will mean a strict quarantine in all households, transportation is suspended, and the provision of food and other essential health services will be regulated.
• Classes and all school activities are suspended until April 14, 2020.
• Mass gatherings are prohibited. This includes movie screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, and non-essential work-related gatherings. Essential work-related meetings and religious activities may continue for as long as each person has a distance of 1 meter between themselves (social distancing).
• Land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from the NCR is restricted. All workers whether employed or self-employed are allowed to travel to and from the NCR provided they can submit proof of employment and/or business at the checkpoints.
• Mass public transportation such as the LRT, MRT, and PNR will continue to operate provided that social distancing is implemented, unless an enhanced community quarantine would be put in place.
• All departing passengers shall be allowed to transit through the NCR provided that they have a proof of confirmed international travel itinerary scheduled within 12 hours of entry.
• Private companies are encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements. For those engaged in manufacturing, retail, and services, social distancing must be implemented. 
• The LTO says that no penalties will be imposed for the late registration of motor vehicles and renewal of driver’s licenses from March 13 to April 12, 2020. The validity of student permits is likewise extended, while temporary operator’s permit which expired on March 13 can be settled within the aforementioned duration without suspension. These are for areas covered by the community quarantine.

For those taking land-based public transportation in the quarantine zone, here are some reminders during the period of community quarantine:

• Back riding for motorcycles whether public or private, no matter the passenger, is not allowed according to the MMDA. 
• For taxis (including airport taxis) and TNVS, passenger count should not be more than 4 people including the driver.
• For UV Express, should not be more than 6 passengers with one seat apart between passengers including the driver.
• For old Public Utility Jeepneys, passengers should not be more than half its regular capacity and again, passengers must be one seat apart. This is the same for Modern PUVs Class 2 and Class 3. No standing passengers are allowed.
• For Public Utility Buses, total passenger count should not be more than 25 including driver and conductor. They must be seated one seat apart and there will be no standing passengers allowed.
• Multiple bookings for a single trip for TNVS (i.e. Grab Share) and motorcycle taxis such as JoyRide and Ankas will be prohibited.
• For tricycles, only one passenger is allowed.
• Terminal Operators shall not allow any person to enter terminal premises if they show any symptom of COVID-19 such as fever.
• Provincial buses and inter-regional trips of UV Express and Jeepneys to and from Metro Manila shall be terminated on the entry points as identified by the Philippine National Police.
• Point-to-Point (P2P) buses to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark are allowed to operate provided they are subject to Department of Health and PNP protocols and procedures.
• All PUV drivers and conductors are required to wear masks.
• For all provincial buses, UV Express, and PUJs coming from North and Central Luzon, trips will terminate at Ciudad de Victoria via Philippine Arena Exchange Southbound Exit. City buses will then ferry these passengers into Metro Manila after they are subjected to health checks.

Separately, these are supposedly the location of the border checkpoints which will be manned by police officers with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP):

Caloocan City

• PCP 4  – Quirino Highway corner Malaria Road Boundary of Caloocan and Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 7C Dela Costa Homes Boundary of Caloocan and Musan Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 9 Boundary of Evergreen Vill. Barangay Gaya-Gaya SJ Bulacan
• PCP 3 – Phase 10 Caloocan and Bulacan Bridge
• PCP 6 – Bankers Village Gate 3 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 1 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 2 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Sierra Nova Subdivision 3 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Gubat Sa Siudad Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan
• PCP 6 – Shelterville Barangay 171 Boundary of Caloocan and Meycauyan

Malabon City

• Don Asilio Boulevard Barangay Dampalit Malabon
• Panghulo Road Malabon

Valenzuela City

• NLEX (Entrance)
• MacArthur Highway Malanday Boundary of Valenzuela and Meycauyan (Exit)
• Punturin Boundary of Libtong Meycauyan (Primary)
• NLEX Harborlink (Mindanao Avenue Metro Manila exit)
• Lawang Bato emergency exit to NLEX
• Viente Reales Skyline exit 10 Meycauyan, Bulacan
• Viente Reales Tugatog exit to Meycauyan, Bulacan
• Lingunan Ciudad Grande exit to Meycauyan
• NLEX Linguhan Exit Going to Valenzuela
• Lawang Bato NLEX
• Overpass near Memorial Gardens
• NLEX Paso de Blas entrance
• Wawang Pulo Boundary of Obando Bulacan

Muntinlupa

• Susana Heights

Las Piñas

• Daang Hari
• Zapote Road

Parañaque

• Roxas Boulevard corner MIA Road
• Macapagal Boulevard corner Pacific Avenue
• Roxas Boulevard near footbridge, Barangay Baclaran
• Airport Road in front of UCPB, Barangay Baclaran
• Bradco Avenue corner Diokno Avenue, Barangay Tambo
• NAIA Avenue, near Pascor Drive Barangay, Santo Niño
• Pacific Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard, Barangay Don Galo
• C5 Road corner Kaingin Road
• Quirino Avenue corner Victor Medina, Barangay San Dionisio
• C5 Road Boundary of Las Piñas and Parañaque
• Canaycay Avenue, in front of Caltex, Barangay San Dionisio
• Sucat Interchange
• Doña Soledad Avenue, Near Skyway entrance/exit
• West Service Road corner Marcelo Avenue, Marcelo Green
• West Service Road in front of Robinson, Barangay Merville
• PNR Bicutan Interchange
• Along C5 Road Extension, Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City
• Along Padre Diego Cera Avenue, Manuyo Uno, Las Piñas City
• Zapote Viaduct, Barangay Zapote
• Along Canaycay Avenue Manuyo Dos
• Riverdrive, BFRV Barangay Talon Dos
• Marcos Alvarez Avenue, Talon Singko

Muntinlupa City

• Tunasan – San Pedro Boundary, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• Tunasan – Cuyab Boundary, Arandia Street, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Parce Bello, Victoria Homes, Barangay Tunasan, Muntinlupa City
• Biazon Road corner MCX Road, Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City
• SLEX Tollgate exit (westbound), East Service Road, Barangay Alabang Viaduct, Muntinlupa City
• Sucat-Taguig Boundary, Dr. A Bunyi Street, Barangay Sucat
• Major J Posadas Avenue, corner West Service Road, Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Total gas station, Don Jesus Boulevard corner West Service Road, Barangay, Cupang, Muntinlupa City
• Muntinlupa–Las Piñas Boundary, Alabang-Zapote Road, Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City
• In front of Police Outpost, along Investment Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Barangay, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City

Marikina City

• Makabayan Street corner JP Rizal, Barangay Nangka
• Pambili Street corner Marcos Highway (U-Turn) Barangay San Roque
• Armscor Avenue corner Sampaguita Street Fortune (to San Mateo)
• Delos Santos Avenue, Monterey Hills, Fortune (to San Mateo)
• Lilac Street corner Olive Street, Concepcion Dos (to Antipolo)
• Olive Extension, Footbridge, Concepcion Dos (to Antipolo)
• Sumulong Highway corner Katipunan Access Road, Santo Niño (to Antipolo)
• Marcos Highway in front of Buenaviahe Building, Barangay San Roque
• San Miguel PH 3, Barangay Fortune
• Champaca Street corner Ponteverde Drive, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Panorama Street corner Waco Street, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Panorama Street corner Ignatius Street, Barangay Concepcion Dos
• Katipunan Street corner Tangerine Street, Concepcion Dos
• Chestnut Street corner Gospel Street, Barangay San Roque
• East Bank Road, Barangay Sta Lucia (to Taytay)
• Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Santa Lucia (to Antipolo/Taytay)

Pasig City

• Kaginhawaan Street corner Lexi Avenue, Maggahan
• Green Park Gate Felix Avenue Dela Paz
• Greenwood Avenue, Pinagbuhatan
• Thadeus Street, MRV, Santa Lucia
• West Bank Road, Barangay Maybunga (to Taytay)
• Sandoval corner Eusebio Avenue, Barangay Pinagbuhatan (to Taytay)
• Eusebio Avenue corner C6 Road, Barangay Pinagbuhatan (to Taytay)
• Tramo Road, Santa Lucia Road, Santa Lucia

This page will be updated with more information as we get them.

Expect Thermal Scans, Manned Checkpoints Says SMC Tollways

SMC Tollways has expressed its full cooperation with the Philippine government’s decision to implement necessary measures against the spread of COVID-19.

While the toll operator behind SLEX, Skyway, STAR Tollway is still waiting for the finalized Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) surrounding the quarantine period for Metro Manila, this is what motorists can expect starting Sunday, March 15 at 12:00 AM.

• Checkpoints, manned by military and police personnel at designated areas.
• Motorists will be asked to present their identification cards (company ID, etc.) to show they work in Metro Manila.
• Thermal scanners will be used to check people’s temperatures.

With these guidelines in place, SMC Tollways says expect to encounter delays.

For its part, SMC Tollways has also heightened their safety measures against COVID-19. Tellers and traffic personnel on duty are required to wear face masks and surgical gloves, toll booths and patrol vehicles are sanitized before and after each shift, and finally, alcohol dispensers are made available at toll plazas and other SMC Tollways facilities.

Moreover, SMC Tollways encourages motorists to use the cashless RFID electronic toll payment facility.

During the entire community quarantine period, vital construction and maintenance work will continue at the toll roads.

Toyota Motor PH President Now Knows: Our Public Transportation Sucks

Metro Manila’s mass transport system sucks. Almost everyone who uses a jeepney or MRT to get to and from work knows it, but it’s just different when the observation comes from no less than the president of the country’s biggest carmaker.

During his first week as the new Toyota Motor Philippines’s President, Atsuhiro “Hiro” Okamoto decided to see and feel for himself the struggles of a Filipino commuter. For that, he rode a bus, took a round trip of the MRT, rode the jeepney, rode the UV Express (complete with the long wait times), and took a tricycle ride to Tondo.

In the end, he said that the experience was a good learning experience for him. Quoting Mr. Okamoto, “I realize that unlike Japan or Singapore, the Philippines’s current mass transport system is not enough to accommodate the huge number of daily commuters. I would like Toyota to take part in this big challenge to upgrade the quality of life for many Filipinos.”

Part of “Genchi Genbutsu” (literally, “Go and See”), it’s integral to the Toyota Way philosophy of directly observing a location, and its conditions in order to understand and solve any problems faster and more effectively.

Okamoto-san is no stranger to Philippine road and traffic conditions. Before his assignment as Toyota Motor Philippines President, he was the Executive Vice-President of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific. One of their major activities he participated in was the “5 Continents Drive.” This global drive which sought to understand how Toyota vehicles are used by their customers on a daily basis drove through Metro Manila, Bulacan, Tarlac, La Union, Baguio, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales, and then back to Manila in 2019.

Waze Now Lists Donation Centers, Marks Closed Roads Due to Taal Eruption

Amidst the eruption of Taal Volcano, Waze is working closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and several other media outfits on the relief efforts for the afflicted communities.

Since January 12, the phreatic explosion of Taal Volcano has been observed generating up to a 15-kilometer ash column. This has affected the regions of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Metro Manila and parts of Southern Luzon. Motorists are advised to practice extra precaution while driving in these regions, due to poor visibility and slippery roads.

Playing its part, Waze’s Crisis Response team is assisting a total of 308 different segments of road closures, 102 emergency shelters, and donation centers as of today. Local Waze users affected by the crisis received both push notifications on the day of the eruption and during the relief operations. Users are being updated on the map should there be an increase in the number of new road closures due to Taal’s’ volcanic activity.

The 14-km radius from the Taal Volcano was declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as a danger zone. To reflect the news, Waze’s Crisis Response team also set up the area as an evacuation zone in the map, with an evacuation zone notification warning showing up in the Waze app whenever a user navigates to a destination within the evacuation zone. This feature will be activated when Waze’s Crisis Response team has verification of an evacuation zone and donation drop off centers from an official source.

Aside from notifications, the Waze app allows users to search for donation drop off centers nearest to them. Wazers will just have to type in “Donate” in the destination search bar, and the nearest donation drop off center will appear. Wazers can also choose among the other drop off centers on the list found in the search results.

To date, Waze users can choose from the following donation centers:

• 8001 Camia, Makati
• Padre Faura Street, Manila
• 55 C.P Garcia Avenue, Quezon City
• Samonte Park Rotunda, Cavite City, Cavite
• City Work Spaces 2nd Flr, DCR Bldg, Aguinaldo Hwy, Imus, Cavite
• 8 Juan Luna, San Pedro
• NCST Bldg., Aguinaldo Hway, Dasmariñas, Cavite
• Unit 1, Contemprato Building, Sugar road, Carmona, Cavite
• Pedro R. Sandoval Avenue, Los Baños
• Governor Pack Road, Baguio
• Selected McDonald's stores

Globally, Waze’s Crisis Response team has been extending their support for various efforts such as the evacuation zones for the fires in California (Cave Fire, Kincade Wildfire, Getty Wildfire, Simi Valley Wildfire, Maria Wildfire) and the bushfires in Australia. Waze encourages users to continuously report real-time accidents, hazards, blocked roads, weather conditions, and more that will help fellow Wazers get to their destinations safely.

BREAKING NEWS: Overnight Parking Suspended at All NAIA Terminals

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is suspending long-term (overnight) parking at all terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) starting today Thursday, December 26, 2019 up until Sunday, January 5, 2020.

This temporary interruption of service is due to the overcrowding at the parking facilities at the said terminals. This will allow the MIAA to address the requirement of the bigger majority of motorists who use the NAIA parking areas to wait for arriving passengers.

The MIAA urges motorists to use public transportation or ride-hailing services (TNCs) when going to and from the airport.

Waze Will Have You Dreaming of Road Trips When Stuck in Traffic

Waze, the community-based traffic app and the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) have teamed up to promote the cultural and natural wonders of the Philippines with the launch of the “100 Days in the Philippines” campaign.

With the aim of spreading awareness and appreciation for the abundant wonders in the Philippines, different tourist destinations, local traditions and exquisite cuisines will be showcased through interactive Waze zero-speed takeovers.

When traffic arises, Wazers will have the opportunity to learn more about the various scenic spots in the county and discover heartwarming local traditions. Wazers will also be able to explore and experience each of the intriguing wonders, one place at a time through zero-speed takeovers containing over 100 images of the must-see tourist destinations along with the location details. Similar to a digital billboard, all of the information will appear when drivers are at a complete stop.

“We are excited to be able to partner with DOT to inspire our drivers to explore the unique and diverse wonders of the Philippines,” said Sarah Rodriguez, Country Manager of Waze Philippines. “Through this partnership we hope to see more Filipinos taking trips of wonder, especially during this holiday season.”

“The Philippines has garnered a lot of international travel awards and accolades this year. It’s the best time to experience what our country has to offer.” said Assistant Secretary Howie Uyking of the Department of Tourism. “Our collaboration with Waze will enable us to reach more Filipinos and inspire them to travel within the country more often.”

Known as the bayanihan of its community, Waze helps over 3 million monthly active drivers in the Philippines to navigate through extreme traffic conditions and provide ease as they get to their destinations. The “100 Days in the Philippines” zero-speed takeover ads will be available on the Waze app starting today until March 31, 2020.