MANILA, Philippines -- The number coding scheme will be suspended from April 17-22 for the observance of the Holy Week, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Monday.

In a Facebook post, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim also reminded motorists to keep safe while on the road.

"Ngayong Holy Week, suspendido ang number coding sa mga susunod na araw. Mag-ingat sa sa biyahe at sana'y maging mapayapa ang inyong paggunita ng Semana Santa ngayong taon," Lim wrote.

https://www.facebook.com/135997858455/posts/10156143683393456?sfns=mo

In an interview, MMDA Edsa Traffic Head Bong Nebrija said the number coding scheme was lifted in anticipation of the influx of passengers during the Holy Week, especially on Wednesday (April 17) and Monday next week (April 22).

"Ina-anticipate natin kasi yung government offices will be suspending the work on Wednesday, half-day lang po sa Wednesday, so sinuspend na po namin 'yung number coding on Wednesday and Monday," Nebrija said in an interview over dzBB Radyo.

"Monday to Wednesday, expect na magkakaroon pa tayo ng volume," he added.

He also pointed out that the number coding scheme will also be lifted on Monday next week due to the expected influx of passengers travelling back to Metro Manila. /je