Like Ayala Ave, Roxas Blvd could have car-free Sundays

Motorists may soon encounter a temporary closure of a portion of Roxas Boulevard every Sunday if Draft Ordinance (DO) 8724 is signed into a full city ordinance by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

Originally authored by Manila 6^th District Councilor, Salvador Philip Lacuna, DO 8724 aims to ban all motorized vehicles on the northbound and southbound portions of Roxas Boulevard from Padre Burgos to Quirino Ave. between 5 AM to 9 AM every Sunday.

The closure would encourage both Manila and nearby residents to use this portion of Roxas BLVD for exercising and other active lifestyle activities.

During the Manila City Council’s (MCC) 130^th Regular Session, Lacuna – who grew up in Manila – recalled the times he was cycling along Roxas Boulevard during his childhood while enjoying the view of Manila Bay. Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, also reminisced the times when he and his friends skateboarded along the said boulevard.

The members of the MCC present all agreed that it is time to let this generation and the future generations of Manileños enjoy the beauty of Manila Bay by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in a car-free Roxas BLVD.

DO 8724 has been approved on its third and final reading and is only waiting for Mayor Lacuna’s signature to become a full city ordinance. Should it be signed by Mayor Honey Lacuna, the tentative start of implementation will be on May 26, 2024.