A viral video showing a car parked on rice grains drying on a public road has triggered online debate after a confrontation between the vehicle’s passengers and a farmer.
The incident was discussed on the “Tanong ng Pilipino” segment of CIA with BA, where questions were raised about responsibility and the use of public roads.
The farmer said the rice was his livelihood and that he had no other place to dry his harvest. However, legal expert Atty. Marian Cayetano said existing regulations prohibit drying crops on roads.
“Meron talaga tayong batas na nagbabawal sa pagpapatuyo ng kahit anong ani or crops, so kasama na po ‘yung palay,” Cayetano said, citing Department of Public Works and Highways Department Order No. 73, Series of 2014.
She said drying rice on roads can obstruct traffic and pose risks to motorists.
“Kasi makaka-obstruct po ng daanan. Ang kalsada natin, para talaga ‘yan sa motorista,” she added, noting that such situations could lead to accidents and possible violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Cayetano said motorists may be legally in the right but urged understanding.
“Legally, may right ‘yung motorista, pero hindi naman masama na maging compassionate,” she said, encouraging drivers to avoid parking on areas used by farmers for drying their harvest.
Host Boy Abunda said the issue points to a lack of support for farmers.
“Wala ho kasing space na pwedeng gamitin ng mga magsasaka,” he said, calling on local governments to provide proper drying facilities.
CIA with BA airs Sundays at 11 p.m. on GMA7.
