Motorcycle riders who will take cover under the footbridge, flyover or Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations during rain risk themselves of being penalized P1,000 as it is prohibited by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) beginning Tuesday, August 1.

*MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes (Photo courtesy of Artes / Facebook)

* MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes announced the new policy as many areas in the country are being hit by non-stop rains due to different typhoons entering the country and the effects of enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat). “Simula ngayong araw, Agosto 1, pagmumultahin na po ang mga motorcycle riders na mahuhuling sisilong sa ilalim ng mga tulay, footbridges, at MRT stations kapag umuulan. Sa ilalim ng single ticketing system, P1,000 ang multa sa mga lalabag sa obstruction (Beginning today, August 1, motorcycle riders who will be caught taking shelter under bridges, footbridges, and MRT stations during heavy downpour will be fined. Under the single ticketing system, the fine for violation of obstruction is P1,000),” Artes said in a statement posted on his Facebook page. The MMDA earlier stressed that stopping on the roadside is dangerous for both the riders and other vehicles as it may cause accident or traffic congestion. “Matagal na pong may umiiral na batas laban sa obstruction. Maaari itong ipatupad ng aming ahensiya kahit anong oras o araw (There is an existing law against road obstruction. This can be implemented by our agency anytime),” Artes said. However, the MMDA Chief clarified that riders who are taking a pause to wear rain gears will be exempted from fine. “Inuulit ko po, hindi ipinagbabawal ang pagsilong sa tabi para magsuot ng rain gear. Ang ipinagbabawal ay ang pagtambay at paghihintay sa gitna ng daan para magpatila ng ulan sapagkat ito ay delikado at nagdudulot ng traffic congestion (I reiterate that taking shelter to wear rain gear is not prohibited. What’s not allowed is taking a pause in the middle of the road to seek shelter from the rain because this is dangerous and causes traffic congestion),” Artes said. The new policy elicited mix reactions from netizens on social media. “Although I understand that if too many motorcycle riders seek shelter under flyovers and pedestrian overpasses when the weather is bad, it will cause congested traffic flow, and the MMDA simply wants the order of our streets, I also understand that riders must be cautious on the slippery road when it rains to avoid accidents and illness,” said [one Twitter user](https://twitter.com/KawayanPangkat/status/1686182177934036992?s=20). “MMDA is doing the right thing actually. Kahit anung anggulo mali ‘yung ginagawa ng mga riders (Riders are on the wrong side whatever side you look at it). Obstructing the flow of traffic. Rain or shine may kapote po dapat (they should bring raincoats). Maiintindihan naman kung titigil saglit para mag suot ng kapote tapos, kaso ‘yung ibang rider talagang makapal mukha eh (It is understandable if they will stop for a moment to wear raincoat but others are shameless),” [commented another one.](https://twitter.com/likemikevill/status/1683275497080508416?s=20) “Motorcycles riders are also your stakeholders. Take care of them as well,” [one Twitter user](https://twitter.com/AlexisM9845566/status/1683053977016078339?s=20) urged the MMDA. “Sana pati mga ‘riders’ rin ninyo. Set an example naman (I hope your ‘riders’ will follow [the policy], too. Set an example, too),” said [another netizen](https://twitter.com/NikoDan63/status/1683002035661320192?s=20).