A motorcycle rider tried to drive away from a pursuing enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after being caught using the EDSA busway in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday.
According to a “24 Oras” report by Marisol Abdurahman, the escape attempt almost dragged the enforcer along the road. He then called for backup to help stop the rider.
“Ba’t kailangan mong takbuhan mga tao?… Hinarang ka na. Ini-endanger mo buhay ng mga enforcer,” MMDA Special Operations Strike Force officer-in-charge Gabriel Go said to the rider.
(Why did you have to run from the personnel?… They were already calling you over. You’ve endangered the lives of the enforcers)
A driver of a Sports Utility Vehicle also initially refused to show his license after being flagged for using the bus lane.
“I just have something [personal to attend to] in the hospital… [It’s an] emergency. That’s it,” the driver explained.
Based on the report, up to 20 motorists, most of which are reportedly motorcycles, are caught and issued tickets for using the EDSA busway along EDSA-Mandaluyong per hour.
In EDSA-Taft, various motorists were also issued tickets for several violations.
Two buses and a taxi parked along the road were impounded, along with pedicabs and e-bikes on the National Highway.
The MMDA official observed violators often repeat their violations. Go said they intend to continue collaboration with local government units to correct the behavior of some motorists.
“Consistency will be the key dahil pag napansin at maramdaman ng ating motorista [ang ginagawa natin], masasanay po sila,” Go said.
(Consistency will be the key because if the motorists notice and feel [what we are doing], they’ll get used to it) Jiselle Anne Casucian —LDF, GMA Integrated News
