MMDA expresses alarm over recent road mishaps

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has expressed alarm over the recklessness of some motorists that have resulted to the death of one of its workers and injured another in two separate road accidents.

Last Monday, Reynaldo Pascual, 28, a street sweeper assigned with the agency’s Landscaping Group-Environmental Management Division, died after being sideswiped by a speeding motorcycle while he was cleaning a portion of the north-bound lane of the Sergio Osmeña Highway in Makati City.

Pascual died after being rushed to the nearby Ospital ng Makati in Barangay Pio del Pilar, the MMDA said.

“Mr. Pascual deserves our respect. Even during the holidays, he was at his post doing his work. It is sad that the recklessness of some motorists would result to this unnecessary loss of precious life,” MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said.

Francisco Martinez, head of the MMDA Landscaping Group, said Pascual was crossing the road and was hit by the motorcycle driven by one Eric John Ranao, of Sucat, Parañaque City at around 7:45 a.m.

The MMDA said Pascual was thrown a few meters away while the wayward motorcycle skidded towards the center island and scaled the gutter, injuring Ranao and his back rider Manuel de la Rosa.

On Christmas Day, Edwin Villar, 44, an MMDA traffic enforcer figured in another road accident in Cubao, Quezon City. Villar, detailed with the agency’s motorcycle unit, is currently in critical condition at the East Avenue Medical Center for severe head injuries.

Earlier, the MMDA urged motorists to be safety conscious on the roads during this Christmas holiday.

“I want to remind the motorists to avoid drunk driving.  Most of the people involved in accidents during this season are drivers driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly those coming from Christmas parties,” Tolentino said. – With Jose Rodel Clapano