FYI: Number coding is still suspended, except in Makati

Makati City resumes modified number coding scheme

It's been over a year since the number coding scheme in Metro Manila was suspended. For those that don't remember anymore, it has been this way ever since March 2020. But despite the recent shift to general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) would like to remind motorists that coding is still suspended.

With number coding suspended, it makes life easier for motorists with only one vehicle to get to and from their place of work and residence. Traffic should also be lighter in Metro Manila since the implementation of the truck ban resumes today, May 17, 2021.

But, there is one place in Metro Manila that you should avoid if you are driving a vehicle during its coding day – Makati. Like before, the Makati City LGU has its own policies when it comes to number coding. Starting last May 15, the modified number coding scheme in Makati has resumed operations. It effectively follows the same coding format used by the MMDA in Metro Manila. The difference is that the modified coding scheme in Makati exempts vehicles with two or more people from being apprehended.

The following vehicles are also exempted from coding in Makati City: motorcycles; ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol, military vehicles on official functions; diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates; government vehicles with government plates in official use; official media vehicles with marking; tow trucks accredited in Makati; vehicles used by medical practitioners in an emergency; and vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders.

With that, there's no need to worry about driving around and being flagged down for number coding. Well, that is unless you're heading to or passing through Makati City. But if there are two or more of you inside the vehicle, then the resumption of coding in Makati shouldn't be a problem either.