Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has urged the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to increase the penalty for jaywalking in two major thoroughfares.
Abalos said he has noticed jaywalking incidents along EDSA and C-5.
“Ang issue dito ay buhay ng tao eh,” he said. “Buhay nung tumawid at buhay nung naka-motor, delikado. Pagpreno mo pwede ka sumemplang so we’re trying to avoid this.”
[Translation: The issue here is human life. The lives of those crossing and riding motorcycles are in danger. If you hit the brakes, you can crash so we’re trying to avoid this.]
The MMDA said it might be taken up during the next Metro Manila Council meeting.
Meanwhile, MMDA chairman Romando Artes said they want to first hold consultations about it.
He added that they are considering doubling the current penalty from ₱500 to ₱1,000.
