Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 1) — A party-list group said the government should first provide a safe space for riders to wear their rain gear during bad weather before apprehending them for sheltering under footbridges, flyovers, or elevated train stations.
1-Rider Party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita made the comment on Tuesday, adding he could provide a simple solution to the dilemma.
“Yung problemang yan, sobrang simple. Kung papayagan nila ako, kaya kong ayusin ang problema nila e. Pero insulto naman sa kanila dahil nasa posisyon sila. Meron naman silang pondo. Ayaw lang nila gawin. Baka di nila nakikita kasi ang iniisip nila, siyempre yung mga lalabag, may multa. May pera,” he said.
[Translation: That problem is very simple. If they would allow me, I could fix it. But that would be an insult to them because they are the ones in position. They have funds. They just don’t want to do it. Maybe they can’t see it because they think since there are violators, there are fines. There’s money.]
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said riders should already wear their raincoats before leaving their homes or workplaces on rainy days, but clarified they can briefly take cover underneath footbridges and flyovers, but only to put on their rain gear.
READ: Fining motorcycle riders for sheltering under flyovers, footbridges not ‘discriminatory’ – MMDA
The agency added they are merely implementing traffic laws to ensure the safety of all motorists.
The MMDA began enforcing the policy on Aug. 1, saying riders will no longer be allowed to seek shelter under such structures as they are obstructing traffic.
Violators will be issued citation tickets and fined ₱1,000 each.
1-Rider Party-List Rep. Rodge Gutierrez earlier criticized the MMDA’s plan as “inhumane” and “anti-poor,” which the agency denied.
