MANILA, Philippines – The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it will be stricter in apprehending motorcycle drivers seeking shelter under overpasses starting next week, August 7.
MMDA acting chair Don Artes made the pronouncement after the agency began implementing the P1,000 fine for motorists violating the regulation on Tuesday, August 1.
“We only apprehended those who really didn’t seem to have any intention of putting on a raincoat and leaving. They were just loitering,” Artes said during a press conference.
“So we only caught a few on the first day of apprehension. But, maybe in the next week, we will strictly implement this prohibition against staying in the middle of the road to wait out the rain,” he added.
| PHOTO: Official facebook page of MMDA
On the other hand, Artes said that the MMDA is still in discussions with some gasoline stations regarding providing temporary tents or shelters for motorcycle riders during heavy rainfall.
He mentioned that gas station managers are still studying its impact on their operations.
“They are studying the safety protocols that if they allow, they can inform us about what motorists can and cannot do while parked there,” Artes said.
Artes also said that the gasoline station tents for motorcycle riders are all voluntary, as the MMDA cannot compel them to provide shelter since it is private property.
– Ivana Romero, INQUIRER.net Trainee
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