By: Abraham Reign Magbiro
A bus zoomed past motorists stuck in heavy traffic as it drove along the southbound bus lane of EDSA in Cubao, Quezon City on November 7, 2023. Photo: Philstar
Over thousands of Filipino students were stranded in hours-long traffic jams during the Undas break, specifically from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 2025.
The traffic caused delays for travelers returning from cemeteries and transport terminals, causing many students to miss study schedules and other school activities, as the nation struggled to manage overwhelming passenger congestion caused by the holiday rush.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) deployed and implemented various counter-flow operations in key areas along NLEX and SLEX to manage the surge of returning passengers.
“Inantabay na po namin ‘yung counterflow dito sa Balagtas area hanggang Bocaue Toll Plaza para mas mabilis po makarating…,” NLEX AVP for Traffic Operations Robin Ignacio said.
More than 500,000 motorists are projected to use the NLEX on Sunday as classes resume and people return to work on Monday.
“And then after Bocaue Toll Plaza … meron din po tayong counterflow … all the way to Balintawak area,” he added.
Transport authorities assure the public that traffic management plans for national holidays will continue to improve over time.
At Stage 3 Northbound of the Del Monte Toll Plaza, a minor traffic buildup was observed, but flow remained generally manageable, according to traffic monitors.
“Expected natin dito may additional tayo inaasahan natin additional 7 to 10% ng pagtaas mg volume ng trapiko ngayong Undas 2025” said Leopoldo M. Vitug Jr., Overall Head, Traffic Safety Management and Security Department, Skyway O&M Corp.
For the Undas weekend, traffic authorities projected an increase of 100,000 to 300,000 vehicles, on top of the usual one million vehicles using the SLEX daily.
Vitug said personnel were on 24/7 duty throughout the Undas weekend, with a “no day off, no leave” policy in place to prioritize assistance for motorists during the long break.
Towing services, water and fire trucks, ambulances, and quick response teams were also on standby to provide immediate support to travelers.