Manila, March 24 -- The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday approved exemptions for fuel tankers and cargo trucks carrying essential goods from the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), also known as number coding, and the truck ban.

In a statement, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Romando "Don" Artes said the MMC resolution - approved by the MMDA and the 17 Metro Manila mayors - is in response to requests from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Both agencies made the exemption request for these trucks to facilitate the quick transportation of petroleum products and other essential goods.

"This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mob...