At least nine motorcycle riders were apprehended for taking shelter under a flyover on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Tuesday morning in Quezon City.
Those who were caught were the first batch of riders who received citation tickets and fined P1,000 imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under its new policy that took effect Aug. 1.
The violators were all apprehended while sheltering under the EDSA-Timog flyover.
The MMDA prohibits motorcycle riders from using footbridges and flyovers as shelters during heavy rains, saying such practice is dangerous not only to themselves but to other motorists as well.
“Starting today, August 1, motorcycle riders who are caught sheltering under bridges, footbridges, and MRT stations when it rains will be fined,” said MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes in his official Facebook account.
Artes said under the single ticketing system, the fine is P1,000 for those who violate road obstruction. He added anti-obstruction laws have been in place for a long time, and his agency can implement it at any time or day.
“I repeat, it is not forbidden to take shelter to wear rain gear. What is prohibited is hanging out and waiting in the middle of the road to wait for the rain to stop because it is dangerous and causes traffic congestion,” the MMDA chief said.
The MMDA made the decision following a recent meeting with representatives of motorcycle ride-hailing firms – Grab, Angkas, Joyride, Toktok, Transportify, Maxim Riders Food Delivery, and Move It at the agency’s main office in Pasig City.
In 2021, then MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. ordered his men to provide motorcycle riders emergency lay-by spaces along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue where they can seek shelter during heavy downpours. Motorcyclists were allowed to stay only when it is raining.
The emergency lay-by has allotted spaces for motorcycles to use – with designated entrance and exit signs. MMDA personnel were assigned at the emergency lay-by to prohibit parking in the area.
