Responding emergency vehicles have right of way, MMDA reminds motorists

Fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and other emergency vehicles have the right of way when responding to situations in the line of duty, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded the public as two videos gone viral show emergency personnel dealing with stubborn motorists hampering their progress.

A report by Mark Salazar on 24 Oras on Monday showed firefighters calling out to an SUV that had inserted itself into a convoy of emergency responders in Las Piñas City.

"Hoy! Hoy! Tumabi ka muna, tumabi ka. Viral ka bukas, viral ka!" the man in the video said.

Another video shows an argument between an ambulance driver and the driver of a van. The ambulance was carrying a patient in critical condition to Philippine General Hospital, but the van supposedly would not let them pass.

The ambulance then collided with the private van to get through.

"Nakatigil kami!" said the van's driver. "Alam kong may pasyente ka dun pa lang. Nakatigil nga ako diyan."

"Dun nakahinto kami," said the ambulance's driver.

Following these incidents, the MMDA reminded motorists that emergency vehicles on official business have the right of way.

"Buhay po 'yung nakataya. Pwede po silang mag-counterflow. Pwede po silang mag-swerve biglaan, pwede po silang mag-left-turn sa hindi tama. Kaya nga ho kapag nadidinig niyo 'yung wangwang, 'yung siren ng ambulansya, you have to give way," MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said.

According to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, "The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to police or fire department vehicles and ambulances when such vehicles are operated on official business and the drivers thereof sound audible signal of their approach.

"The driver of every other vehicle shall immediately drive the same to a position as near as possible and parallel to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection of highways, and shall stop and remain in such position, unless otherwise directed by a peace officer, until such vehicle shall have passed."

Under the MMDA's policy, a ticket for reckless driving may be issued to those who violate this rule. Violators will also be fined P500.

The Land Transportation Office, for its part, may issue a ticket for violation of a joint administrative order on yielding to emergency vehicles, which has a fine of P1,000. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News