MMDA says it has no power over bikers crossing EDSA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) does not have the power to arrest cyclists who cross EDSA, traffic chief Bong Nebrija said Monday.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report, only local enforcement officials have the power to accost bikers on the busy highway.

In a Facebook live earlier in the day, Nebrija expressed alarm at the number of cyclists crossing EDSA-General Tinio during the morning rush.

“Suicidal na talaga ‘yung mga tao ngayon e. Pambihira. Nakikipag-patintero sa kamatayan ‘yung mga ‘to e,” he said.

He stressed that the best the MMDA can do is to put up signages reminding bikers that they must use the footbridge as they are not allowed to cross EDSA.

“Ang nagagawa na lang namin, pagsabihan ‘yung iba, pabalikin sa footbridge o kaya kung saan nanggaling. That’s all that we can do,” he said. “Ang problema lang, itong bagay na ito, nakasanayan na.”

Nebrija reminded bikers that they put their lives at stake when they cross EDSA.

“‘Yung konting maling pedal mo lang, bumagsak ka, tapos may mga parating na sasakyan, it’s very dangerous. It’s an accident waiting to happen,” he said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News