The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a zipper lane, or counterflow scheme, along Commonwealth Avenue. This is to facilitate the movement of government officials and guests attending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 28.

Motorists are strongly advised to utilize alternate routes to mitigate anticipated heavy traffic congestion along Commonwealth Avenue and IBP Road.

Alternate routes

NORTHBOUND (Quezon Memorial Circle to Fairview): Vehicles from Elliptical Road should proceed to North Avenue, turn right at Mindanao Avenue, then turn right onto Sauyo Road or take Quirino Highway to reach their destination.

SOUTHBOUND (Fairview to Quezon Memorial Circle): Vehicles from Commonwealth Avenue should take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway, turn left at Mindanao Avenue, then turn left at North Avenue to reach their destination.

FOR LIGHT VEHICLES (from C5 Road): Light vehicles may turn left at Magiting Street, turn right at Maginhawa Street, then turn left at Mayaman Street to Kalayaan Avenue.

FOR TRUCKS (from C-5 along Katipunan Avenue): All trucks should take the Luzon Flyover, then turn left at Congressional Avenue.

MMDA deployment and operations

According to MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, a comprehensive deployment of 1,329 personnel from various units is planned. These personnel will manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic, respond to emergencies, conduct road clearing, and assist with crowd control. A strict “no-day-off, no-absent” policy will be enforced for field traffic personnel.

Furthermore, critical resources, including ambulances, tow trucks, fire trucks, mobile patrol units, motorcycle units, and flood mitigation equipment, will be strategically deployed along designated routes and staging areas. Traffic advisory signage will be placed along alternate routes, complemented by plastic barriers and traffic cones to delineate zipper lanes and affected roads.

To ensure efficient oversight, the MMDA Mobile Command Center, equipped with CCTV monitors, will be stationed at the Batasan corner Commonwealth area. SONA protest actions will be remotely monitored from the MMDA Communications and Command Center in Pasig City.

In preparation for the event, the MMDA Special Operations Group-Task Force has already commenced road and sidewalk clearing operations around the Batasang Pambansa Complex. This initiative aims to remove illegally parked vehicles and sidewalk vendors, ensuring alternate routes remain fully passable and obstruction-free for all motorists.