When a video of a couple casually walking along EDSA went viral, netizens were quick to react—some amused, others alarmed. But beyond the spectacle, the incident raised a bigger question: is it even legal to walk on one of the busiest highways in the Philippines? This controversy became the centerpiece of the Tanong ng Pilipino segment on Cayetano in Action with Boy Abunda (CIA with BA).
One viewer asked: Is there an actual law prohibiting pedestrians from walking on EDSA or other major highways?
Atty. Jackie Gan answered bluntly that it is not legal. She explained that while the Constitution grants everyone freedom of movement, this right has limits.
“Meron po tayong mga batas na nagsasaad kung saan lang po pwedeng tumawid at maglakad,” Gan clarified, adding that safety and order are the reasons behind such restrictions.
To address the lack of safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, Gan highlighted that Senator Pia Cayetano filed Senate Bill No. 24, also known as the Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act. “Ito po ay naglalaan ng mga espasyo sa ating mga daan at kalsada… para po hindi na kinakailangang dumaan sa gitna [ng mga kalsada],” she said.
But if it’s illegal, what charges could pedestrians face? Boy Abunda posed this question, and Atty. Marian Cayetano explained: “Actually wala namang nakasulat sa MMDA regulation ngunit sa ating mga local ordinance sa buong Metro Manila, sinasabi na ‘pag naglakad ka sa EDSA, ito po ay jaywalking.”
Still, the legal experts stressed that pedestrians aren’t the only ones accountable. Atty. Mark Demova emphasized that drivers must always exercise caution, even when the pedestrian is clearly at fault. “Mali naman talaga ‘yung ginawa nila pero… it doesn’t mean na tayo bilang mga driver ay hindi na mag-e-exercise ng due diligence.”
He added that drivers who ignore this responsibility could face serious consequences. “Kasi ‘pag ginawa mo ‘yon, pwedeng reckless imprudence resulting in homicide kung namatay, or resulting in physical injury,” Demova warned. This means motorists cannot simply rely on being in the right lane to escape liability.
The discussion underscored a vital point: roads are shared spaces that require shared responsibility. Walking on EDSA may have made for a viral video, but as CIA with BA revealed, it’s not only dangerous—it’s illegal, and both pedestrians and drivers must remain vigilant to prevent tragedy.
CIA with BA, hosted by siblings Sen. Alan and Pia Cayetano with Boy Abunda, airs Sundays at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
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