MMDA bans swimming in floods for fun

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has enacted a regulation that bans residents of Metro Manila, especially children, from swimming in floodwaters for fun.

- GHIO ONG

The agency passed MMDA Regulation 24-003, which states that "children and adults are prohibited from swimming, playing, gallivanting and/or unnecessarily wading or doing any other leisurely activities in floodwaters."

MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes noted the regulation has made a "clear distinction between swimming in floodwater for recreation, and having no other choice but to walk through floods to go to work, school or even to evacuation."