‘Defer fines on riders sheltering under flyovers’

A party-list lawmaker representing motorcycle riders has called on the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to defer the imposition of a P500 fine on motorcycle riders huddling under flyovers and pedestrian footbridges during heavy rain.

1-Rider Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said MMDA should first set up covered lay-bys and tents at gas stations and identify areas where riders can seek shelter from the rain.

“They should not think of imposing sanctions first while arrangements are not yet complete,” Gutierrez said on Friday. He said there should be a clear rule on the specific places where they can seek cover from the rain.—Julie M. Aurelio