3 out of 4 MC groups oppose MMDA's MC Lane
A significant rift has emerged between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and several prominent motorcycle rider groups following a recent meeting with regards to traffic management on EDSA, particularly, the imposition of the Motorcycle Lane (MC Lane). In a strongly worded statement from the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), representatives from three out of the four groups present at the discussion have vehemently denied the MMDA’s assertion that they support the continued implementation of the MC Lane.
According to the group, the MMDA’s claim of widespread support is a “massive betrayal of trust” and a manipulation of the narrative of the meeting. The statement highlighted that out of the four organizations in attendance – Philippine Advocates for Road Safety (PARS), 1-Rider Partylist, Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), and MRO – only the MCPF, led by Atoy Sta. Cruz expressed favor for the MC Lane, a proposal they reportedly made to the MMDA back in 2012.
Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency/ Joan Bondoc
MRO, represented by its VP Internal Cire Lenoroc, PARS, and 1-Rider Partylist with Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, strongly opposed the MC Lane, and reportedly did not agree with its continuation and instead advocated for its removal.
The dissenting groups assert that the MMDA’s public statement fails to reflect the apparent 3-to-1 opposition against the MC Lane voiced during the meeting.
The statement further expressed deep disappointment and accused the MMDA of releasing statements contrary to what actually transpired. The groups alleged that the MMDA is leveraging the support of the MCPF, the original proponents of what they termed a “worthless MC Lane,” to disseminate what they believe to be falsehoods in their public statements.
Meanwhile, according to Victor Maria Nuñez, the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office head, the recent meeting with motorcycle groups revealed that they were divided on the issue of maintaining or abolishing the dedicated motorcycle lane.
It seems like there’s a growing problem with communication and trust between the MMDA and a large part of the motorcycle riding community when it comes to managing EDSA traffic. Because they have such different takes on what happened in that meeting, it hints at a pretty bumpy ride as the MMDA moves forward with its EDSA plans.
