Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Manila’s infamous traffic congestion has long been a nightmare for commuters, businesses, and government planners alike. Recently, some political candidates proposed the construction of additional roads and parking spaces as a solution. However, one man wasn’t buying it—Edison “Bong” Nebrija, the former MMDA Task Force Special Operations head, had a simpler yet more logical response:
"We can’t even keep the roads we have now free from obstructions. And you want to build more?"
Instead of new roads, Nebrija has long advocated for something far more practical—clearing Manila’s existing roads of illegal vendors, unauthorized parking, barangay-owned businesses like car washes, and even basketball courts that have taken over the streets.
The Real Traffic Villains: Obstructions Everywhere
It’s no secret that many of Manila’s streets are barely usable, not because they lack space, but because they are filled with obstacles that should not be there in the first place. Consider these persistent issues:
Illegally parked vehicles with “permits” – Whether it’s barangay officials issuing questionable parking passes or local businesses treating public roads as their private garages, these vehicles clog vital arteries.
Sidewalk vendors and makeshift stalls – Entire sidewalks have been transformed into marketplaces, forcing pedestrians onto the roads, reducing traffic flow, and increasing the risk of accidents.
Barangay halls and car washes on public property – Some barangays have taken things even further, occupying sidewalks and even portions of roads for their own offices or profit-driven services.
Basketball courts in the middle of the street – As absurd as it sounds, some streets have been turned into permanent sports venues, making vehicle passage impossible.
Despite multiple clearing operations by the MMDA in the past, the obstructions always seem to return. This raises the question: Are local government units (LGUs) really serious about solving traffic, or are they just tolerating (or even benefiting from) these illegal activities?
Bong Nebrija’s Fight Against Obstructions
During his time at the MMDA, Nebrija led countless clearing operations aimed at reclaiming public roads. His strict, no-nonsense approach made him a well-known figure, often butting heads with those who resisted road-clearing efforts.
In 2018, under then-MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, Nebrija led one of the most aggressive crackdowns on road obstructions. One of his most famous encounters was with barangay officials who refused to dismantle their illegally placed structures. “This is not your property! This belongs to the public!” he was quoted as saying.
Even as late as 2022, Nebrija was still leading MMDA operations to rid the roads of encroachments, from illegal car repair shops to food stalls. But time and again, these obstructions reappeared, showing the lack of long-term enforcement from local officials.
The MMDA’s Ongoing Struggle
Despite Nebrija’s efforts, Manila’s road-clearing problem remains unresolved. The MMDA continues to conduct operations, but the challenge is ensuring these efforts are sustained.
January 2023 - The MMDA intensified its clearing operations in Baclaran, one of the most notorious areas for sidewalk obstructions.
August 2021 – The MMDA warned motorists against parking on sidewalks and main roads, yet the problem persists today.
October 2022 – Authorities dismantled an illegal DIY car wash that was blocking a major access road.
Despite these actions, many LGUs seem unwilling—or unable—to keep their areas clear. The question remains: Is the problem really traffic, or is it political will?
The Wrong Solution: More Roads?
The idea of building new roads seems logical at first glance. After all, more space for cars should mean less congestion, right? But urban planners have repeatedly warned that this is a short-term fix that doesn’t address the real issue.
More roads encourage more cars. Studies worldwide have shown that when new roads are built, people simply buy more vehicles, leading to the same traffic congestion all over again.
Road widening often leads to more obstructions. If the government can’t even keep existing roads clear, what guarantee is there that new roads won’t suffer the same fate?
Public transport, not private cars, should be the priority. Even President Bongbong Marcos himself has said that mass transit is the real solution to traffic, not just more roads.
The Right Solution: Enforce the Law
Instead of spending billions on new roads that will likely suffer the same fate, why not maximize the ones we already have? Nebrija’s argument is simple:
Clear existing roads of obstructions. Remove illegal vendors, parked cars, barangay-owned businesses, and any structures that do not belong on public roads.
Strictly enforce existing traffic laws. The MMDA and LGUs must ensure that clear roads remain clear, rather than allowing encroachers to return.
Improve public transportation. Instead of promoting car ownership, the government should focus on making public transport more reliable, efficient, and accessible.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for LGUs
Bong Nebrija may no longer be with the MMDA, but his message remains relevant today: Manila doesn’t need more roads—it needs discipline, enforcement, and political will.
Until barangays, mayors, and other local officials start taking responsibility for their areas, traffic in Manila will remain a nightmare—regardless of how many new roads we build.
The real solution isn’t about expansion; it’s about accountability.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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