A video of a couple casually walking in the middle of EDSA near the MRT Buendia Station has stirred alarm among Filipinos, raising questions about safety and discipline on Metro Manila’s busiest highway.
The viral clip, taken by TikTok user Vlue Custodio from a nearby footbridge on August 20, shows the pair making their way along the main road as vehicles swerved to avoid them. “At first, parang akala ko, tatawid lang sila… pero dire-diretso lang sila mismo sa gitna ng EDSA,” Custodio told Bilyonaryo News Channel.
The TikTok post has already garnered more than 5.3 million views and 603,000 likes, while a screenshot shared on Facebook also generated thousands of reactions. Though some netizens joked about the incident, many condemned the behavior, calling it “reckless” and a “nuisance for road users.” Others questioned why authorities were not immediately present to stop them.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has confirmed it is now tracking the couple for possible jaywalking violations. MMDA Chair Don Artes reminded the public that crossing highways in undesignated areas is dangerous and punishable under the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance. “Mag-ingat po tayo sa daan… ito po ay pwedeng mauwi sa aksidente at pwede niyo po ikapinsala o ikasasawi pa,” he warned.
Under the law, violators may face fines starting at ₱200 and, in some cases, community service. Artes added that the MMDA and Department of Transportation are studying the installation of barriers near stations to prevent similar incidents.
Jaywalking, defined as crossing or walking along streets outside designated crosswalks, is not a criminal offense but remains a punishable act for endangering both pedestrians and motorists.
