1-Rider Party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita has gained an assurance from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) that the planned motorcycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City will truly be made exclusive for motorcycle riders.
This, as Bosita expressed frustration over the previous misuse of motorcycle lanes--at least according to him.
"Napakatagal na nitong motorcycle lane. Pero kung ang mangyayari, sasabihin na motorcycle lane pero lumalabas na parang sinasakal lang ang mga motorcycle riders... (Motorcycle lanes are an old idea. But if what will happen is that the motorcycle lanes would be used to tighten the noose around motorcycle riders' necks)..." Bosita said during a recent interview with Radyo Pilipinas.
"Dati po, totoo na may sinasabi na motorcycle lane pero ang parang binabantayan lang, motorcycle lane. Bawal kang lumabas. Pero itong mga malalaking sasakyan, malaya sa loob. Sila yung siga, hari-hari (Back then, there were motorcycle lanes but they appeared to be only watching the motorcycle lane. You can't go out of the lane but these other bigger vehicles can encroach. They bully their way in there).
"Sabi ko, kung ganun ang mangyayari, eh huwag na nating pag-usapan itong motorcycle lane (I said, if that will continue to happen then let’s not talk about this motorcycle lane anymore)," the rookie solon said, referring to his consultation with the MMDA.
"So nag-commit naman po sila na ito ay once na talagang ma-finalize itong design na ito, na itong motorcycle lane, magiging exclusive po ito sa motorcycle riders. Ibig sabihin po, mahigpit nilang babantayan ang ibang motorista (So they made a commitment that once they finalize the design of their motorcycle lane, it will be exclusive to motorcycle riders. This means that they will strictly watch the encroachment of other motorists)," Bosita said.
He said that while other motorists can cross into the motorcycle lane, they will be prohibited from staying there too long.
"Pero yung sinasabing mag-stay ka dyan ng matagal, ay talagang dapat hulihin po yan (If you stay there for too long then you should be apprehended)," he pointed out.
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"To cut the story short, ang magandang intensyon po dito ng chariman ng MMDA, magiging 'exclusive' motorcycle lane (The good intention of the chairman of the MMDA is to make motorcycle lanes 'exclusive')," Bosita said.
The Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, recently approved the MMDA's proposal for a motorcycle lane on Commonwealth Avenue.
The MMDA is currently led by Engineer Carlo Dimayuga III, the acting chairman.