Traffic returns to Metro Manila roads amid eased quarantine

Heavy traffic was observed on the first Monday in areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ 24 Oras report, the traffic buildup was due to the checkpoints in several main roads.

Meanwhile, many workers were also forced to walk amid the lack of public transportation.

In North Caloocan, heavy traffic was seen after private vehicles and motorcycles started plying the roads on Monday morning.

This was the same situation in España Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue and Marcos Highway.

With this, many employees were forced to walk or ride their bicycles on the way to work.

“Maglalakad na lang pa-Novaliches… Mahigit isang buwan na rin akong naglalakad ng balikan,” an employee, who was waiting for a public transportation in Commonwealth, said.

Several employees who live in general community quarantine areas and had to work in areas under MECQ also had a hard time going to work.

“Sobrang hirap po kasi ang layo na tapos wala pa masyadong masakyan unlike noong bago pa lang ECQ, may mga DOTr po na bus na medyo maraming bumabiyahe pero ngayon, madalang na po,” Leonida Rosalina, a frontliner, said.

On Saturday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez asked private companies to provide transportation or dormitories for their employees.

“Dahil wala pa po tayong public transportation, ‘yong pagbigay po ng shuttle services ay kailangan pong i-provide ng kompanya kung mayroon po silang private vehicles, puwede rin pong gamitin ito,” he said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News