No number coding on Friday, Monday – MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — The number coding scheme in Metro Manila will be lifted on Aug. 23 for the Ninoy Aquino Day commemoration and on Aug. 26, National Heroes Day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.

President Marcos earlier moved the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day to Aug. 23, for a longer weekend and to promote domestic tourism.

The expanded number coding scheme remains in effect on weekdays except holidays, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the MMDA said.

Meanwhile, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza said Filipinos should remember Aug. 21 as a “day of infamy,” with the 1971 bombing of Plaza Miranda and the 1983 assassination of former senator Ninoy Aquino.

“We should always look back with gratitude to the heroism and selflessness of Ninoy Aquino (and) remember it with fondness,” Atienza said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed personnel to public transport hubs, seaports, airports and other major thoroughfares ahead of the long weekend.

“We will also deploy K9 units to secure baggage,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said — Delon Porcalla, Emmanuel Tupas