A viral video of a car parked over rice grains drying on the road has sparked public outrage and debate, after a heated argument erupted between the vehicle’s passengers and a farmer.

The incident took center stage in the ‘Tanong ng Pilipino’ segment of CIA with BA, raising questions about rights, responsibility, and respect on public roads.

While the farmer argued that the rice was his livelihood and that he had no other place to dry it, legal expert Atty. Marian Cayetano clarified that the law is clear.

“Meron talaga tayong batas na nagbabawal sa pagpapatuyo ng kahit anong ani or crops, so kasama na po ‘yung palay,” she said, citing DPWH Department Order No. 73 Series of 2014.

She explained that drying rice on roads can obstruct traffic and endanger motorists.

“Kasi makaka-obstruct po ng daanan. Ang kalsada natin, para talaga ‘yan sa motorista,” she noted, warning that it could lead to accidents and possible violations of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

However, Atty. Marian stressed that legal rights should be balanced with empathy.

“Legally, may right ‘yung motorista, pero hindi naman masama na maging compassionate,” she said, urging motorists to avoid parking over areas where farmers are drying their harvest.

For Boy Abunda, the controversy reflects a larger gap in government support.

“Wala ho kasing space na pwedeng gamitin ng mga magsasaka,” he said, calling on local governments to view the issue from the farmers’ perspective and provide proper drying facilities.

In the end, CIA with BA highlighted that while the law favors road safety, lasting solutions require compassion—and concrete action from authorities. CIA with BA airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7. (Robert Requintina)