UPDATE 2: It remains suspended from June 8 until further notice due to the limitation of public transportation (6/7).

UPDATE 1: The MMDA has decided to postpone the implementation of the modified number coding scheme from June 1-5, 2020. Makati City, however, announced that modified number coding will start on Monday in that city. (5/30).

The Metro Manila Council—composed of 17 mayors of Metro Manila will, through the MMDA, implement a “modified” number coding scheme when the capital region shifts to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) on June 1, 2020.

This brings back the United Vehicle Volume Reduction Program or UVVRP, but modified to allow motorists to use his or her vehicle when coded when he or she has at least one companion aboard. This will be in effect for as long as Metro Manila is under GCQ.

As a refresher, the UVVRP bans the use of vehicles on days based on the last digit of his or her plate number or conduction sticker from 7 AM to 8 PM:

• 1-2: Mondays
• 3-4: Tuesdays
• 5-6: Wednesdays
• 7-8: Thursdays
• 9-0: Fridays

If implemented, the number coding scheme will include front line workers (except in the case of emergencies) according to MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia. Updated: in a case of the MMDA not getting their act together, spokesperson Celine Pialago later clarified that medical front line workers are exempted from the modified number coding scheme.

It’s understandable that the MMDA wants to encourage carpooling, but the timing couldn’t be more wrong. Remember, the public transportation alternative would only be operating at 50 percent capacity—this will certainly increase the burden for those needing to go to work or access essential goods/services.

Along with the modified number coding scheme, the MMDA announced that public utility buses (except P2P buses) and jeepneys are still not allowed to operate.

Currently, under the MECQ (Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine), the UVVRP has been suspended.