The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) defended the crackdown on motor riders taking shelter under overpasses and footbridges.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes stressed on Wednesday, August 2, that the agency only seeks to implement traffic rules and regulations.
"Hindi namin policy iyan. Batas trapiko na matagal lang hindi ipinatupad na ipinapatupad natin ngayon dahil na rin sa maraming reklamo," Artes said during DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
Artes said that many motorists feel the inconvenience caused by motorcycle riders stopping under overpasses and footbridges due to bad weather or floods.
"Kung marami nagagalit na motor rider, mas marami ang natutuwas sa pag-implement natin nitong batas-trapiko na ito against obstruction," the MMDA head remarked.
"I-imagine niyo kung ilan lang iyan na nakatigil, 20? Gaano naman karami, ilang libo ang na-perwisyo na mga motorista, na kalimitan rin ay mahihirap, din tulad ng taxi at Grab (drivers)," he added.
MMDA began on Tuesday, August 1, to issue traffic violation tickets and implement a fine of Php 1,000 on motorists found loitering under overpasses and footbridges.
Artes clarified that the MMDA only went after motorcycle riders who stayed under overpasses or footbridges for a long time, and who lack or refuse to wear raincoats.
"Yung iba naman na kakatigil lang ay ni-remind lang na hindi pwedeng tumambay doon, then pinagsuot ng kapote, at pinaalis," Artes said.
"Nagbibigay kami ng pagkakataon kahit na maka-cause ng traffic. Huwag lang yung talagang nakatigil, nagpapatila ng ulan, at nakaharang sa ating mga lansangan," he stressed.
1-Rider Partylist Rep. Bonifacio Bosita criticized the MMDA for penalizing motorcycle riders taking cover under overpasses, and footbridges
Bosita said that the decision of MMDA endangers the lives of motor riders.
