Davao City and Manila have been listed among the cities with the worst traffic in the world, according to the TomTom Traffic Index 2025.
Davao City ranked in the Top 12, while Manila placed within the Top 40 worldwide. These are the only two cities in the Philippines included in TomTom’s list.
In response, former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III said the agency is actively pursuing solutions to improve traffic flow in the capital.
When asked about immediate solutions to Metro Manila’s traffic woes, Torre emphasized collaboration with experts.
“Today, may nakaset akong meeting sa UP National Center for Transportation Studies. We're harnessing the brightest minds, the best minds in the country today para mahanapan natin ng solusyon itong problema natin sa traffic na napansin lang naman ng TomTom,” he said during the exclusive interview in DZRH Dos Por Dos on Thursday.
Torre noted that traffic management goes beyond enforcement and penalties. “We have to realize na ang traffic ay hindi lang enforcement, hulihan at impoundan. Hindi 'yan. Magsisimula ang lahat ng 'yan sa traffic engineering. Traffic engineering talaga, tatlo yan, Engineering, Education, Enforcement,” he explained.
On the engineering side, Torre highlighted data-driven strategies using tools like the TomTom Traffic Index. He said that their agency, main arteries such as EDSA and C5, are already implementing tweaks.
"May ginawa na tayong magandang-gandang konting tweak yan. Ang specific ina natin ang barrier ng bus lane in such a way na pagka lampas ng ating mga kababayan sa pinaka-bus stop sa Carousel, pwede na silang kumaliwa, papasok sa bus lane para sila after 100 meters makakaliwa na sa rampa na papuntang Greenhills," he said.
These minor adjustments have already received positive feedback, Torre said, especially with additional signage to guide motorists.
Aside from main roads, Torre also emphasized the importance of side streets, such as the so-called “Mabuhay lanes,” for easing congestion.
Torre further said that he coordinates closely with local government units and personally meets with Metro Manila mayors to discuss specific traffic concerns, including no-parking zones.
"Kailangan natin ng cooperation ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi pwedeng panay solusyon tapos magpapalusot lang tayo pagkatapos. We expect na wala nang kasunod na follow-up. Hindi po pwede 'yan," the new General Manager emphasized.
The MMDA is also leveraging technology to monitor traffic and public safety. Torre described the agency’s command center as “highly efficient, with cameras monitoring traffic, waste management, and anti-crime operations.”
While some cameras have audio capabilities, the center primarily uses visual monitoring. In case of minor incidents, such as collisions, the MMDA can extract video clips to quickly address the situation, ensuring a five-minute response and ten-minute clearing time.
