Sunday, August 12, 2007

chasing cars

hello everybody. well that would mean just about the two or three people who actually read my blog but nonetheless, i write for you :)

i know i haven't placed my inane life stories here much lately but only because I have been going through much thought as to whether I should continue writing or not. See lately a friend of mine shuddered at the thought of being mentioned here - even in a good light. he said it was just too much of a violation of privacy but still in good-nature, said if i wanted to write, it was might right. Nonetheless, I declined to share out of respect for those who want to keep their lives as quiet as possible. Which leads me to think: am I welcoming all these irritating disappointments and discussions on my personal life by writing on a blog? Although I barely write anything that can be called considerable noteworthy literary fodder, it could be unconsciously stimulating negativity. Forget the fact that I have been writing in a blog for about 5 years now, even before it became a portion of pop culture. I am still struggling to find reasons, beyond the initial motive of practicing my writing skills.

Well, now I felt I had to write about something. I guess it's for lack of time with friends. They all know that they can keep tabs on what's going on in my silly little head just by with just a click of the URL. I know frank has me on RSS feed (hi frankie!) or Benita all the way in Bhutan keeps tabs on me from across continents (hi partner!)...but now i'd like to utter at least one violently opposing opinion about a certain topic. Read on...

August 11, 2007. The Manila Times Internet Edition
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando launched yesterday the new MMDA traffic enforcement system in colorful ceremonies at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City.

Fernando waged a vigorous campaign to arm his traffic enforcers with jungle bolos, claiming that violent drivers, sidewalk vendors and squatters have hurt or threatened his employees. The police resisted the idea. The chairman resisted suggestions that the MMDA use billy sticks and teargas. Spears and bow-and-arrow struck him as too medieval. For a while, according to sources, the agency considered using swords.

The MMDA originally wanted to import the kukri jungle bolo, the machete popular among the Gurkha warriors of Nepal who are serving the British army. Fernando was told Marikina-made steel is just as sharp.

Fernando vowed the weapon was purely for self-protection and would be used only as a last resort. As part of their code of ethics, the enforcers will not take their bolo when visiting bars and cocktail lounges. The rules of engagement require that only rusty bolos may be used for demolitions that usually turn violent.

I for one am appalled. Every sunday when we drive past the intersection of makati avenue and ayala on our way to family lunch, we dread the MMDA who stop almost any nice looking car they see (not taxis by the way) with the thought of finding some violation to get some "lagay". It has become a regular joke with us since they have already stopped us for being "one inch beyond the pedestrian line whereas we see taxi cabs over and beyond this line without so much as a warning. Every single sunday, we see them - about 5 huddled at the corner of the Atrium then as the traffic light stops, march on to the cars to give them violations. If this were a proper violation I don't blame them. But when you see blatant abuse and prejudice, then there's something wrong. They probably do not talk to taxi drivers thinking they would not have money to give. Now you would like to arm these irrepressible leeches with bolos? Are we in the middle ages? Who is going to monitor such abuse of power? If they stab someone, and someone is left dying because of some traffic violation, do you think you could bring them back to life? I don't know what Bayani Fernando is on but can someone please put him in power rehab? Normal people are forbidden by law to carry such weapons, who are the MMDA to think they are above this?

I agree with the statement by the PNP:

Journal Online
“In the first place, carrying a bladed weapon in public is against the law and carries stiff fine and jail term. It is a case of illegal possession of bladed weapon,” according to Philippine National Police spokesman, Chief Supt. Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr.

PNP Director General Oscar C. Calderon echoed Pagdilao’s statement. “I don’t think that MMDA traffic enforcers should be armed with bolos or even with guns. If they want to carry guns, they should join the police service,” Calderon told newsmen in Camp Crame .

The PNP chief said that as far as he is concerned, MMDA traffic operatives should be facilitating the smooth flow of traffic and not waiting or hiding in street corners to accost a traffic violators.

“Hindi sila dapat naninita na nakaabang sa kanto dahil kahit ako, nabiktima din ng mga ito,” he said without giving specifics.

Traffic is a major problem in this country, yes. But it has not reached the point where violence needs to be the answer. If you will notice during rush hour, the traffic is not caused by anything else except the traffic guys going against stop lights. We have always blamed the amount of cars that are on the streets during this time, or maybe flooding caused by rains but when you see an MMDA trafficking the streets, there is more confusion and impartial judgement. I wish this man would get off his high horse, his bolo confiscated and leave him to look for a project that can clean up potholes, clogged drains and bus drivers who don't respect anyone else on the road. Those are the real problems.

posted by maldita @ 6:26 PM

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