Commentary
SONA: Zipper Lane Returns
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is rolling out a zipper lane and rerouting scheme on Commonwealth Avenue this Monday, July 28, ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Designed to ease movement for government officials and invited guests heading to the Batasang Pambansa, the zipper lane will operate as a counterflow system—one that’s expected to significantly affect traffic flow for regular motorists.
Map Reference: Visual aid shows the detour route in red with labeled roads and landmarks.
To minimize congestion, the MMDA advised motorists to take alternate routes:
- Northbound (Elliptical to Fairview): Use North Avenue → Mindanao Avenue → Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway.
- Southbound (Fairview to QMC): Take Sauyo Road or Quirino Highway → Mindanao Avenue → North Avenue.
- Light vehicles from C5: Divert through Magiting → Maginhawa → Mayaman → Kalayaan Avenue.
- Trucks from C5/Katipunan: Use Luzon Flyover → Congressional Avenue.
The agency also announced an all-hands-on-deck approach. Over 1,300 MMDA personnel will be on-site to manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic, clear obstructions, and respond to any emergencies. A “no-day-off, no-absent” policy is in effect for field teams.
For detailed guidelines for all traffic advisories from MMDA, we created a plan to navigate the roads during the event. The details are in the caption of each of the photos posted on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ht4aEQtVP/
Command centers will monitor traffic conditions and protest activities via CCTV. Emergency vehicles, patrol units, and road-clearing equipment will be stationed at key points.
Ahead of the big day, MMDA teams have begun sidewalk clearing operations around the Batasang Pambansa, targeting illegally parked vehicles and other obstructions.
While the goal is to ensure a smoother experience for SONA attendees, many commuters are already anticipating longer travel times. In recent years, this kind of setup has sparked mixed reactions from the public—some see it as necessary, others question the impact on daily road users.
What do you think of this approach? Is it effective, disruptive, or somewhere in between? Let us know in the comments.
Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. will deploy roadside assistance stations across key Luzon routes for the Holy Week rush, offering support to Chevrolet owners during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The company confirmed the rollout of its Chevrolet Road Care Program on April 2, 4, and 5, 2026. Service hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A total of 11 dealerships will take part, with teams positioned along major highways and travel corridors.
The program covers minor repairs, basic adjustments, maintenance checks, and emergency roadside assistance. Chevrolet said the setup allows motorists to address issues early and avoid delays during long drives.
Stations are divided across North Luzon, Metro Manila, and South Luzon. Locations include Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Dagupan, Baguio, Pampanga, Commonwealth, Makati, Alabang, Cainta, Las Piñas, and Camarines Sur. Each site operates on specific dates within the program window.
The assistance is free for Chevrolet owners. The company said the goal is to keep vehicles in safe running condition during peak travel days when highways see heavier traffic.
HARI President and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said the initiative focuses on customer safety during long-distance trips. She added that the company will provide timely service and support along key routes.
Chevrolet advised owners to stop by any Road Care station before or during their trip to check their vehicles and address any concerns before they worsen.
The Manila International Auto Show returns from April 9 to 12, 2026, as Worldbex Services International confirms the next edition of the country’s biggest automotive event at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Now entering its 21st year, MIAS carries the theme “Powering Mobility” as it continues to anchor conversations around innovation, performance, and the direction of the automotive industry.
Organizers said MIAS 2026 builds on the momentum of last year’s milestone event, which marked the show’s 20th anniversary and drew more than 170,900 visitors. The 2025 edition featured over 145 exhibitors across 33,000 square meters of exhibit space, with more than 310 cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display. WSI said the upcoming show aims to raise the bar further with a larger platform and expanded showcases for both industry players and enthusiasts.
At the center of MIAS 2026 is the Mobility Marathon, a series of scheduled vehicle launches where participating brands will unveil new models and technologies to the public. These launches will be supported by the Test Drive Avenue, allowing visitors to experience selected vehicles on site.
Other key attractions are set to return, including the Truck Zone, which features commercial vehicles of varying sizes, and the Die-Cast Car Collection, which highlights rare and collectible scale models. The Car Club Display will also bring together automotive groups from around the country, showcasing privately owned vehicles ranging from restored classics to modern builds.
Signature events remain part of the program. The MIAS Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition will once again recognize standout customized and classic vehicles across multiple categories. The Ms. MIAS pageant also returns, featuring representatives from participating automotive brands.
WSI said MIAS continues to position itself as a platform that connects manufacturers, suppliers, and the public while reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift toward new mobility solutions. MIAS 2026 runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is organized for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Honda Philippines Inc. has reinforced its road safety advocacy through activities held at Don Bosco Elementary School and Don Bosco National High School in Parañaque.
The initiative was led by the Honda Safety Driving Center through its Kids on Safety and Students on Safety programs. School officials and Honda representatives attended a short ceremony at the Don Bosco Elementary School basketball court to mark the activity.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Honda Philippines Inc. in recognition of its continued support in promoting proper road behavior among students. School leaders and Honda officials said early education plays a key role in developing safer road habits.
The Kids on Safety session focused on younger learners. Students were introduced to basic road safety concepts such as pedestrian discipline, traffic sign recognition, safe commuting habits, and the importance of wearing protective gear. The session included a road safety film, an interactive discussion, and a push bike mini skills challenge. Participants wore helmets and protective pads as they applied what they learned.
In the afternoon, the program continued with Students on Safety for senior high school learners at Don Bosco National High School Parañaque. Around 180 students joined the seminar, which covered motorcycle safety, traffic signs, pedestrian awareness, defensive driving principles, and everyday road situations.
Honda Philippines Inc. said the programs reflect its goal of promoting road safety across different age groups. By working with schools, the company aims to help students develop practical knowledge and a safety-first mindset that they can carry beyond the classroom.
