Provincial buses allowed to ply EDSA

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has allowed provincial buses to ply Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) starting today, Friday, to accommodate the influx of passengers going to their provinces.

MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana said provincial buses will be allowed to traverse EDSA starting at 10 o’clock tonight up to January 2 next year.

He said provincial buses coming from North Luzon must end their trip in Cubao, Quezon City while buses coming from South Luzon must terminate their trip at bus terminals in Pasay City.

Lipana and other MMDA officials, as well as officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the PNP, inspected the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) yesterday, four days before Christmas.

“This is to accommodate the expected influx of passengers going to their respective provinces this holiday season,” Lipana said, adding this would also ensure the convenience and comfort of commuters.

Last year, the agency also allowed provincial buses to traverse portions of EDSA from December 24 to January 2, 2023.

Previously, only city buses were allowed on EDSA and only on the EDSA Bus Lane.

Lipana said he told the management of the PITX to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers waiting for their bus rides at the integrated terminal.

Last Wednesday, more than 121,000 passengers were recorded at the PITX.

Malacañang yesterday branded an alleged declaration of half-day work on December 22 as “fake.”

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil dismissed as “fake” the supposed issuance of Proclamation 427 that declared December 22 as a “special (half-working) day throughout the country,” while the Official Gazette through its official Facebook page said the alleged order was “false.”

“This proclamation lacks official verification or recognition by the government. Please rely on official government sources for accurate information and refrain from disseminating unverified claims,” the Official Gazette said.

The order was supposedly signed on December 21, 2023 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and included a colored seal of the Office of the President.

It stated that the declaration aims to give the people