MMDA fines riders sheltering under flyovers; solon says it's 'inhumane'

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started issuing violation tickets to motorcycle riders seeking refuge under overpasses and flyovers during heavy rains.

A party-list lawmaker, however, called this penalty "inhumane."

In a "24 Oras" report by Chino Gaston on Tuesday, the MMDA said riders crowding on a portion of the highway poses hazard to traffic.

“Kapag malakas ang ulan, mahina ang visibility. Kapag nandun sila sa ilalim ng mga footbridges, napakalaking porsyento na magkaroon ng aksidente,” MMDA spokesperson Vic Nuñez said.

Based on MMDA's monitoring on Tuesday morning, riders occupied three lanes of the northbound lane along Cubao to take shelter.  The riders left when MMDA personnel arrived in the area.

Several riders opposed the policy.

"Hindi naman po tama 'yun. Kasi katulad ng biglaan na pag-ulan. Siguro 'yung mga tumitigil talaga, kasi nagta-traffic talaga," a rider said.

In a privilege speech, 1 Rider party-list Representative Bonifacio Bosita called the new MMDA policy inhumane.

"Itinutulak nila sa kapahamakan ang mga riders na walang kapote dahil bibilisan ang pagmomotor para sumilong," he said.

"Hinihiniling sa pangulo ang proteksyon laban sa di makataong pinapatupad ng MMDA," he added.

The MMDA said it is talking with gas station owners on the possibility of setting up tents where riders may take shelter during heavy rains.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News