The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced its adoption of a resolution exempting trucks carrying essential goods from both the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), a.k.a. number coding scheme, and the truck ban.

Under the number coding scheme, restrictions apply from Monday to Friday, 7 AM–10 AM and 5 PM–8 PM, while the truck ban runs Monday to Saturday, 6 AM–10 AM and 5 PM–10 PM.

MMDA Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, said the resolution responds to requests from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which emphasized the need to exempt these vehicles from the policies to ensure the swift transport of petroleum products and essential goods, especially during the current crisis triggered by the US-led conflict in the Middle East, on which the Philippines heavily relies for its energy supply.

“This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,” said Artes, during the Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting at the MMDA HQ in Pasig City.

Under the resolution, which is now in effect, trucks carrying these essential goods and prime commodities, but not limited to, are exempted from both the number coding scheme and the truck ban.

These essential goods include rice, corn, bread, fresh and processed meat, fish, eggs, milk, fruits, vegetables, potable water, cooking oil, sugar, coffee, laundry and toilet supplies, LPG, kerosene, candles, and DOH‑classified essential drugs, as well as prime commodities like flour, canned goods, dairy products, seasonings, fertilizers, feeds, construction materials, electrical supplies, and other non-essential drugs.