The Discrimination of Mr. Moto

The Discrimination of Mr. Moto

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Mr. Moto has been around the street since 1885 as credited to Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz to have built the first of its kind on wooden frame and iron-banded wheels and of “bone-crusher” chassis. Since then, Mr. Moto’s number increased in exponential manner almost identical to that of world’s population.

Almost to date, there are around 200 million motorcycles in use worldwide, or about 33 motorcycles per 1,000 people. This includes mopeds, motor scooters and other powered two and three-wheelers motorcycles. Their number is actually far-fetched compared to around 590 million cars, or about 91 per 1,000 people. Notably, 58% of motorcycles are in the developing countries of Asia –Southern and Eastern Asia, and the Asia Pacific, excluding Japan. A striking 37 million motorcycles/mopeds can be found in India as of 2002, enough for the country to be considered as the home to the largest number of motorized wheelers in the world. China came close with 34 million. Philippines? Well, we might find ourselves at the tail of the list with 3.2 registered motorcycles, tricycles and scooters as of 2009, according to LTO.

Mr. Moto’s family has gone a long way –too long to hug capture everyone’s attention, from ordinary individuals up to the government and law enforcers. This could be something to thank for being included and considered in some laws promulgated to protect its riders and the public in general. Unfortunately, in the pursuit of happiness, Mr. Moto is placed under microscope and being subjected to rigid micro management resulting to discrimination, on and off road. Motorcycles are now hot items, including those who ride them.

Let me account the ways how they are discriminated.

Police Checkpoints

Every minute, crime occurs in the country. In an attempt to curb such, law enforcers set up checkpoints on streets. A big sigh of relief for everyone and one of those ways to feel secured. However, in most instances, motorcycles get the most unfair treatment when it comes to this.

Checkpoints, as mentioned by one of those policemen, are done in random manner –meaning, not all vehicles are stopped for assessment. But not in the case of motorcycles. Perpetually, every motorcycle is directed to yield on the road side, as in all of them, no one is spared. As the procedure will go, they’ll ask for your license and registration. Worst, they’ll even open up your bags! Well, anyway, that’s part of the routine. But what’s irritating is that, when they stop a car, they would simply look on the inside of the car, won’t ask for any license or registration, nor ask to open the trunk of the car. Bags are generally off their attention. And most of the time, they would even apologize to the driver, which were hardly said to motorcycle driver. As observed, they’ll stop 10 motorcycles compared to 1 car.

Parking Space/Area

As mandated by law, business establishments are required to provide a non-elevated part in their entrance and exit for persons with disabilities. And as part of the customer service, parking areas, as their space may allow them, are allocated for cars and other four wheeled vehicles. Lines are even painted to guide those vehicles. Hardly any space is provided for motorcycles’ parking. If ever they provide one, only a couple can enjoy such privilege.

Motorcycles don’t have this luxury already. To add insult to the wound, security guards on duty would bark on you when you park in front of the store. You’ll be rudely asked to stay on the side and not in the front of establishment. The front part is for customers only. As if anyone on a bike can’t be a customer. Only those with cars are considered customers.

And yes, when cars moves out of the parking area, guards would even clear the way, stop other vehicles from coming, until the customer drives out safe and sound. Will they do the same thing on bikes? A big no! They don’t about bikes getting hit on their way out. And where can find these scenarios? Check out banks and food chains. (Good news is, SM City-Batangas provides large parking space for motorcycles.)

On The Road

SUVs, PUVs, trucks and other four-wheeled vehicle don’t respect Mr. Moto on the road. Why is that? Here are some of the reasons?

1. During night time, they won’t lower or use dim function of their head lights opposite a motorbike. Though some of them would be courteous enough to do so. But not in most cases. Majority of them don’t seem to care how one’s vision is blurred when hit directly with lights. Good for them they got tinted windows.

2. It’s easy for them to decide counter a motorbike on its own lane and right of way. Maybe because motorbikes can easily take turn on the side of the road and give way. But that’s still a disrespectful one.

3. Signal lights are meant to be used when making a turn. Those vehicles do so. But not all of them when a motorbike is on their tail.

4. Motorbikes are the one cut the most by other vehicles on the road.

5. During and after the rain, SUVs, PUJs and others don't slow down running on water deposits on the road. It doesn't matter spilling water on motorbikes next to them.

When Filling Gas

I’ll make this one short. Pump attendants get themselves busy with other vehicles and take on motorbikes the last even if they have been there waiting for a life time. After being filled, a motorbike should be out of the line not later than five minutes. Stay a little longer or an SUV behind will horn you out. Same thing that a motorbike driver can’t don when following an SUV on the line.

There are still more cases of discrimination handed to Mr. Moto. If we deal on that more, others might not agree on it. But you may also wonder, how come? Why are motorbikes being ridiculed? That is what we’re going to talk about next.

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The Anatomy of Barangay Election

The Anatomy of Barangay Election
By Taga Ibaan Ako

Barangay. The smallest political unit in the Philippines.

This is the level where national election begins. But for itself, it writes script and directs its own set of scenes by the people directly taking part up close and personal. This can’t be ignored. Everyone, from candidates to political patriarchs, down to the the voters themselves, are all part of the drama. And 2010 election is not an exception.

The Beginning

During the earlier times, the Philippines is composed of different tribes or barangays (balangay) distributed among thousands of islands, and were ruled by Datu or Rajah. They belong to rich clans who claim power out of reach from ordinary people. The change of leadership was based on the family’s hierarchy of succession with, generally, the eldest taking power as his own.

When the Spaniards came, they kept the barangay structure but took the power off the Datus/Rajas and have it centralized to the Governor General, and locally to to the encomendero, and later in the alcalder mayor and the gobernadorcillo.

The coming of Americans made barangays into barrios. They were then recognized as quasi-municipal corporations under Republic Act No. 3590 or The Revised Barrio Charter. Autonomy was also granted by virtue of Republic Act No. 2370 (Barrio Charter)

The barrio was again renamed back to barangay during martial law through Presidential Decree No. 86 and 557. Then, pursuant to Batas Pambansa Blg. 222, the FIRST election for Punong Barangay and six Kagawads was held on May 17, 1982. Local Government Code of 1983 fixed the term of office at 6 years, to be changed to 3 years by the Local Government Code of 1991, with the inclusion of SK election as part of the barangay level election.

The Setting

Barangay election has not evolved or changed that much since it was first introduced. From Datus/Rajas’ time, the power usually still belongs to the, if not, rich ones and also to those with connections from from national, provincial to municipal level politicians. Although the Constitution explicitly grants democracy and equality among people to vote and be voted upon, this somehow has gone in vain through the years. Sometimes, there is always a tendency of concentration of power with people playing the role of a fool, blindly following orders from these people.

However, in most cases, looking at the brighter side, a Pangulo keeps his seat through continued support and belief of/from the constituents on his ability to govern the barangay effectively, not to mention their generosity. In Brgy. Kagitingan, Baguio City, Maria De Vera Cordoviz, Nana Maria or “Kapitana” to everyone, served as Barangay Chairman for 41 years until her death in January 26, 2010. This is recognized as the longest time that a person held the position in the country. People would speak of her generosity as if God has given her all of that since time immemorial.

Unfortunately, Kapitana’s story is just one of those millions cases that we have here. Barangay political landscape is often designed through deception. machination and manipulation by those who wish make the most of it in, probably, provincial and municipal level point of view. Guns, goons and gold still find their way before someone’s house’s door to remind them of what to write on E-day.

On October 25, Monday, around 50 million voters will make their way to voting precincts to elect one (1) Barangay Chairman and seven (7) Kagawads for each of the 43,025 barangays in the country. Ahead of this, the PNP has already recorded election-related violent incidents since gun-ban was implemented last September25 this year. The incidents consist of either killing or injuring of candidates and their supporters, including 543 gun ban violations. However, the relieving part of this is that, the number is lower compared to that of 2007 Barangay and SK election. The bottom line is, violence remains.

The Circus and its Players

Life is a circus by itself. And barangay election is a bigger one, specially with players craving for a bigger slice of the pie.

Barangay election follows next after concluding the Municipal level election. With this, politicians belonging to this level are the most proximate ones to be affected by the latter’s results. To avoid, or at least to cushion its impact on their career, they would often do two things in the shadow; either (1) to play favorites or (2) to play safe.

When municipal level politicians run for election (assuming they won), they go to political patriarchs in different barangays. Relationships were established and sometimes sealed with some vague promises to be claimed in the future. When barangay election hits the calendar, payback time makes its scene. A good return must be made either by endorsing and supporting the candidacy of his barangay foot soldiers who gave him numbers during the last municipal election, much more in the provincial level. Anyway, this is expected. Or else, back lashes will be evident the next time around. At this point, playing favorites is on the run. However, the player can’t go bold nor speak about it in public. The player also get to worry about others’ sentiments who also voted for him, much more if his wards decide to go up against each other. His chess pieces will definitely begin to rot like tomatoes if his throwing of support to one of his pawns explodes out of proportion in the public; tug-of-war ensues next to his plate full of politics. He’ll be dead meat the following day.

On the other hand, there are wise players who would just let things happen as they commence from day one. So as not to be skinned alive and to put out the fire burning in his backyard, the player would ingenuously express his concern for the general welfare of his constituents by keeping himself on leash from giving his blessing to any of his opposing boys running for the same position in the barangay election. And to clear his name from any accusation of playing favorites, everyone will receive his grace, usually in the form of financial support for their campaign expenditures. This way, barangay tigers are tamed and admiration or respect from the people will runlet over his cup for letting democracy take its course among those who wish to be in barangay position. An act of playing safe hardly hurt any of his ward.

To add more glam to the player’s genuine love for freedom, his family members are also subjected to his micro-management skills; to the point of hand-cuffing them from filing their certificate of candidacy, suspending their political rights and freedom of expression on the fear of being charged of building political dynasty. He’d rather have his family members and relatives, mostly the less fortunate ones, as sacrificial lambs to save his skin. What people have to say is more important that the density and color of his blood.

This of course is a reversal of some players’ strategy to deepen their political claws in barangay level.

The Drama

Selling the drama is probably one of the most difficult thing to do for a wannabe in barangay election. While others who find it easy to get in to the game based on different factors, there are those having difficulty staying afloat in the battle field as they try to prove their worth for another term.

To keep up the fight, a seasoned politician would make a list of his administration’s accomplishments, along with what he has done for the barangay during his term. A litany of this will be made to be compared with his opponent’s experience or something. And if given the chance to post with any prominent politician, such photo will also form part of his election paraphernalia such as tarpaulins and flyers. This is a show of force that even build a tower our of clay with the support of the chosen one.

Erstwhile, some would bank on the number of his family members. Filipinos are regionalistic or tribal by nature, and this can be clearly seen on any level of election, including the barangay level. In this view, they are almost assured of votes multiplied by the some more votes that their family member can bring on his door steps. Barangay is basically starts with few families. Generations after generations, their members would scatter around the area and eventually making friends with the new member of the community. Thus, the family tree perfectly works in this level.

At some point, dark horses emerge out of nowhere. This is a situation where an underdog would bravely take his chances against the seasoned one. A David versus Goliath in the making. This again calls for an army of the family, specially when they have been a victim of any form of injustices or discrimination perpetrated by the one in position. Sentiments from voters are gathered through emotional appeal by making them realize that they may also fall prey and experience the same ordeal. Displaying how weak they are in the face of an iron maiden often results to strong sympathy from the people, almost enough to build platoons of supporters to take them to barangay hall.

Remembering the tag lines of Senator Ralph Rectp when he first ran as Congressman of 4th District, it says “Ang Ipinaglaban ng Lolo, Ipagpapatuloy ng Apo“. I say this is one of those dramas that was successfully sold to the voting public. And again, the family is behind this. However, family name’s reputation played a greater role on this. Recto’s was a respected former President of Republic of the Philippines and was able to maintain a clean slate until his last days in Malacanang. And Recto was able to illuminate this fact during his campaign. Is this applicable in barangay level? Yes. Barangay is too small a community for people not to know the goodness of one’s folks back in time. Had the forefathers been a responsible member of the community, no doubt this will be a big factor when E-day comes along.

Some candidates who lost in municipal level election feel bad about it. Frustrations sink in to the point of losing faith to people. Unfortunately, hardly they realize that their being a failure can give them a fast and furious ticket to barangay hall. Have they forgotten that their barangay has embraced them and made them feel proud of their boldness to run in the municipal level? Now this might still be converted into winning numbers if they run in the barangay. But then, as we’ve mentioned, we are tribal in nature. And our barangay consists of more sub-groups divided into different categories. Sometimes not in perfect harmony with each other. But then, if this can mastered and polished, there is still hope of winning. They’ve taken them once during municipal level, they’ll do better in barangay level. The drama here is that, they can sell their municipal plans like hot cakes to his fellow barangay men.

Barangay election is actually as complicated as any level of election in the country. It’s just matter of understanding its anatomical parts to formulate the right campaign strategy. The only thing that makes it different is that, in other levels, people vote for a candidate even if they have not seen, talked or even have not met the candidate. In barangay election, a house-to-house campaign style is essential. There is a need to talk with everyone, as in everyoe. At this level, people are more sensitive and often cry out loud when a candidate missed shaking one’s hand. It’s a “no show, no vote” system no matter how qualified the candidate is.

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

Taga Ibaan Ako: On Road Arrogance

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On Road Arrogance

On Road Arrogance

By Taga Ibaan Ako

While the government boasts about thousands of miles of constructed concrete roads, lines of drivers applying for and renewing “driver’s license” also takes an unprecedented trend. Their number increase almost exponentially, along with the vehicles registered. According to Land Transportation (LTO) records, the number of driver’s license and permits issued amounts to 3,711,856 in 2006, 3,972,654 in 2007, and 4,184,499 in 2008. Meanwhile, there were 781,741 new motor vehicle registered for the year 2006.

With these statistics, roads are expected not to have any breathing space at all. It good to know there’s a lot who wants to be in the service of others, particularly in public transportation. Unfortunately, not everyone can be called “educated driver”. Worst, with bad luck, road arrogance is all there is when you cruise the street with them. Sad to say, such arrogance results to accidents which, in the first place, could be avoided.

But of course, there are still those who know their obligations and responsibilities when driving. These people understand what “road courtesy” means. That’s a breather, though.

Here then are some of the common forms of arrogance you’ll find on the road.

The Snake

Snake driving is one of the deadliest ways to drive. Discourtesy involves butting –in even with a nil space available, forcing others to slide side ways to avoid getting hit. This way, vehicles on the opposite lane are made to jump into their brakes so as to give way for the head coming their way. What’s so irritating about this is that, these snakes would pin their horn as hard as they can to the point you get so surprised is to see someone suddenly popping before your bumper. This may result to disorientation of one’s concentration. Basically, motor cycles do this; knowing they can go faster than the others on split-second rev.

Guess what, a Facebook account was even created by people sharing their own nightmares with these snakes.

The Horn

Growing up in the country side made me so used with the sound of “kuliglig” at night. Their orchestra-like music, together with bull frogs, hardly rings a bell in one’s ear. But moving down the city, street sound coming from a vehicles’ horn just destroyed the way how music is being appreciated. This is where you find the relentless thundering blowing of horns.

Jeepneys, being the king of the road, perfectly love to do this. In their attempt to be noticed by would-be-passengers, horns are rolled out an ulcer-incubating and nerve cracking, long and continued manner. The thing is, it is sometimes done as if there’s a rave party on the street. I wonder why they do that when it can be in short durations.

In Memphis, during the earlier time, an ordinance known as Anti-Noise Ordinance was passed. After 8pm, the city is quite, practically speaking, as a grave. Silence and repose is very much valued by the people. To protect this, the ordinance bans all “loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises”. So to speak, it includes blaring vehicle horns, except to avoid accident. In San Juan, Metro Manila, “Anti- Noise Pollution Ordinance” was passed and approved in 2007 to regulate unwanted, human-created noise caused by transportation sources, principally motor vehicles and others. Others followed this example.

The Bull

As per LTO or TDRO’s list of traffic violations, this is called counter flow. This may be forgivable in interior roads. But on the main road, this is bullying.

Imagine yourself driving on a clear lane ahead of you. You have the right of way since you’re on the right lane. The left lane, assuming, is jammed with traffic. Then all of a sudden, a vehicle cut itself lose from other side and went on head to head on you in a desperate attempt to pass the traffic. It’s either you swerve deep right to avoid it or stop to give way.

In once instance, as reported by Abner Mercado in February 7, 2010, a man was arrested for countering the other lane after getting irritated with the traffic in Edsa. The man’s car slammed with 20 other vehicles. This is no accident. It’s just a plain case of arrogance and being impatient.

In cases like this, motor bikes are most disrespected by these bulls. I myself have fallen victim to this. And most of the time, these hard-headed bulls involve SUVs with commemorative plates, including those with red plates. At one time, I stopped in the middle of my lane, and refuse to give way. I have the right-of-way. The bull went back to his lane butting his way in to his lane. Respect begets respect.

The Kite

Before a kite could steady itself in the sky, it swerves abruptly and erratically to uncertain directions. On the road, this is almost synonymous to snake driving. But the thing that makes it more despicable is that, they don’t use signal lights! Have you been not a defensive driver, expect to take a bang on your rear from this practice.

Every driver knows that appropriate use of signal lights is imperative. This is called upon when turning, changing lane or when stopping for an exit from a roundabout. Unfortunately, most of the drivers don’t seem to know their importance in avoiding vehicular accidents. They must have not been told when they applied for a license.

Motor vehicle must be equipped with signal lights. In general, turning movements require signals to be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by a vehicle before turning. If a driver is driving at 35 mph or more, the motorist must signal at least 300 feet before turning. If the vehicle’s turn lights don’t work, the motorist must at least use hand signals.

Admit it or not, culprits include jeepney drivers (especially when picking up and letting go of passengers), motor bikes on belief they could escape with it easily, tricycle drivers who usually their legs to make a signal. Sometimes, cars, though equipped with complete signal lights, also forget about this. On the other hand, granted they use signal lights, they leave and let them blink for a long even after they’ve made their turn. Expectedly, this would cause confusion to other driver/vehicle on their tail.

Remember, hand signal is not enough. Make a good use of both of them.

The Light Maniac

Every vehicle is built with lights. They have their own purpose, all of which are intended for everyone’s safety. But what if the driver renders himself naïve of their function, particularly the head lights? That will be a problem. And this is another arrogance in the making.

Nobody wants to be blinded. However, this is where you’re leading to when the vehicle at your opposite direction flashes his light like those in Alcatraz Prison searching for fugitives. These are the drivers who don’t understand the word “dim lights”.

Improper use of lights include driving with bright lights, failure to dim lights, glaring lights, driving with unauthorized or too many lights and driving with improper lights to the rear.

As a piece of advice, in general, headlights must be used under the following circumstances:

· when a driver cannot see because of insufficient light on gray days, or in heavy traffic when the vehicle may seem to blend with the surroundings

· when there are unfavorable atmospheric conditions, including rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog, smoke or smog

· when driver cannot see pedestrians or vehicle on the highway for a distance of 1,000 feet ahead of the vehicle the driver is operating

· between sunset and sunrise, and

· when driving through work zones

On the other hand, the driver of a standing or parked vehicle must understand that keeping his headlights on constitute a source of danger to others. Thus, hazard lights are more fitting to use. For hazard warning lights, they must be continuously used when a driver is unable to maintain a speed of the minimum speed due to weather or other similar factors, or is unable to maintain a speed consistent with the normal flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, it must be remembered that, by virtue of Land Transportation Office (LTO) Memorandum Circular dated March 23, 1999, “dazzling lights”, “fog lamps”, “broken tail lights”, “broken tail lens”, and “unauthorized rear/side/spot white or neon lights of any color” are all banned. Thus, their use is apparently illegal. Much more to this, Presidential Decree No. 96, which have been in effect since 1973, prohibits the use of dome lights and other similar signaling or flashing devices attached to motor vehicles and used on the highways. The prohibition also includes the use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles and similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds. And this is the part which is mostly violated by The Horns.

The Middle Man

Stopping at the middle of the road is an egotistical display of machismo. This is often seen from those who couldn’t care about stopping at road’s shoulder or on the road side for any necessity. Others sometimes would make a halt on the road to talk with another driver instead of parking in full. It appears like they don’t realize that they constitute road obstruction and pose danger to other motorists.

In most instances, some jeepneys can’t afford to do this, again, when picking or unloading passengers. Garbage trucks and other government vehicles also join this party with no regard for others being put into hold and delayed by their actions.

Roads are not constructed for the benefit of the few. Nobody owns them; they’re for public use. In that sense, no one has the right to cause trouble with any other motorists on the road. If you don’t want to be considered as an arrogant one, then give respect to road users. Don’t be such a nuisance. Our life is at stake and it depends on it. And if you think you don’t belong to any of those we’ve mentioned, then there’s no reason for you to flare. Once we take a hold of our license to drive, we are already under obligation to be a responsible one. Not an arrogant one.

Taga Ibaan Ako: The Art Of Gang Rape In Philippines

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