Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., former secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government, mayor of Mandaluyong City and chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) once again aired his concern for road safety among both motorists and pedestrians.
Abalos is one of the frontrunners in the Alyansa 12 senatorial team of the Marcos administration.
Secretary Abalos met with two majors groups of riders to discuss ways on how to improve traffic safety not only in Metro Manila but also in the whole country.
The Motorcycle Philippines Federation and the Motorcycle Road Safety Warriors officially recognized Abalos during a forum on Saturday, citing his extensive experience in public service and commitment to traffic management.
“As a leader who has long advocated for road safety, we believe that Benhur Abalos is the right person to champion the welfare of motorcycle and three-wheeled riders,” the groups said in a joint statement. “We trust that he will work towards policies that protect and benefit riders nationwide.”
The two organizations designated the former Interior Secretary as the Ambassador for Road Safety in a bid to promote safer roads for motorcycle and three-wheeled riders.
Abalos and the groups highlighted the pressing need for stronger road safety measures, pointing out the increasing number of motorcycle-related accidents.
“In 2022, the Road Safety Unit of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded at least 26,599 motorcycle accidents. This figure surged by 17.3 percent or 31,200 in 2023, meaning that an average of 78 motorcycle accidents occur daily in Metro Manila alone,” Abalos noted.
He further explained that while motorcycle crashes accounted for 22 percent of all road accidents in 2023, car-related incidents comprised 54 percent. The MMDA reported over 86,000 vehicular accidents in Metro Manila alone last year.
Data from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) revealed that there were 31,258 road accidents nationwide in 2024. Of these, 15,690 involved motorcycles and 4,224 tricycles.
Abalos emphasized the importance of education to promote road safety, saying there should be road safety subjects at least for senior high school students in preparation for their application for driver’s licenses. He also suggested the setting up of more motorcycle-riding training centers across the country in partnership with motorcycle dealers.
He said there should be consultations on how to improve road safety.
As a former MMDA chairman, Abalos had also initiated various measures to enhance road safety, including establishing emergency lay-by areas for motorcycle riders along EDSA. These designated areas provide shelter for riders during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of accidents caused by stopping in unsafe locations.
“We understand the difficulties motorcycle riders face when stopping in the middle of the road during downpours. This exposes them to potential collisions. The emergency lay-by offers a safer alternative where they can wait until conditions improve,” Abalos explained.
The lay-by area under the Quezon Avenue flyover is marked with entrance and exit signs. Other lay-by zones are along Ortigas, Santolan, Kamuning, Kamias, C-5, and Commonwealth Ave.
Abalos helped improve Metro Manila’s urban landscape by developing pocket gardens under flyovers to enhance air quality and beautify roadways.
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