Malfunctioning Brakes Are A Big Problem in the Philippines

Terrible vehicle accidents happen all the time in the Philippines. Overloaded trucks plow into houses while overloaded jeepnies plunge off cliffs. Too often faulty brakes are the cause of accidents. Here are two such recent cases. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/608424/truck-runs-over-vendor-rams-seaport-building-in-san-remigio-cebu

A balot vendor died after she was run over and dragged by a wing van truck, which then crashed into a seaport building, in Hagnaya Port, Brgy. Hagnaya, San Remigio town, northern part of Cebu.

The victim was identified as Jennie Ariula Mandado, 44 years old, and a resident of Purok Agbati, Brgy. Hagnaya, San Remigio, Cebu.

According to Police Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Lequin, investigator of San Remigio Police Station, the wing van truck was driven by Arsenio Mansueto Lawan,  38 years old and a resident of Sitio Combado, Brgy. Ticad, Bantayan town in northern Cebu.

The wing van was loaded with sacks of rice and was about to travel from the port to the Bantayan Island.

However, while the wing van was waiting for its turn to drive and board a RORO vessel, the vehicle lost its brakes and the driver lost control of the vehicle.

(The driver said that the brakes could not stop the loaded truck. He said he told some of his helpers to put something against the tires to stop the truck from moving, but it did not work.)

Five other vehicles were hit by the truck —an Isuzu elf, an SUV, another truck, and two motorcycles — before it crashed into the seaport building where the victim was selling her balot together with her husband.

However, the husband was able to avoid the wing van.

(She was sitting in front of (the seaport building), she did not have a chance to ran, only her husband managed to run to safety.)

The driver was brought to the San Remigio Police Station, while the victim was brought to a funeral home after being declared dead by the regional health unit (RHU) municipal doctor.

The suspect will face a charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and multiple damage to property.

San Remigio is a third class municipality in the Province of Cebu and it is located 108 kilometers north of Cebu City.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/11/27/wayward-delivery-van-kills-injures-pedestrians-in-qc

An elderly woman died on the spot while two others were injured after being hit by a closed van on Victoria Avenue corner 13th St., Barangay Damayang Lagi, Quezon City, on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

According to the police, the accident occurred around 7:00 p.m. The victims were walking on the sidewalk when the van hit them from behind.

The the elderly's head was reportedly run over by the van while the two other victims sustained injuries. 

The 43-year-old driver was turned over to the Quezon City Police District.

"Pasensya na po eh talagang disgrasya, hindi kagustuhan po natin yon. Talagang wala tayong magagawa po (I'm sorry, it's really an accident, we don't want it to happen. There's really nothing we can do)," the driver said.

According to the driver’s companion, they were supposed to make a delivery when the brakes of the van malfunctioned which led to the accident.

Meanwhile, the other victims were brought to the hospital for immediate medical attention. 

Both of these accidents occurred on the same day and for the same reason, faulty brakes. These are not isolated incidents. Brake malfunction leading to tragedy happens on a regular basis. The solution is proper vehicle maintenance. Is that too much to ask? How many vehicles on the road should not be on the road?

Picture of the Week: Stop or Go?

 Should I stay or should I go?  It's telling me to do both!!  There's a red arrow and a green light.

Oh well, who cares? Traffic lights working in the Philippines is a miracle in itself.

Sugarcane Obstructing the Road

I came upon this scene at 6 in the morning. No idea how long it had been like this.

Long enough for someone to put up a makeshift barricade. Did the driver do that? If so why did he not scoop that sugarcane back into the truck? By 9 the sugarcane was gone. Guess where it went?

To the curb of the street across form the intersection it was obstructing!!! Is there any reason that whoever moved the sugarcane could not call in a truck to come haul it away? I bet it will sit there for a long time. I have seen sugarcane dropped at this intersection brushed over to this same area and just sit there until it deteriorated from the sun and the rain

Sexy Lady Cops and Silly Dancing Cops

In their battle against bad drivers and even badder criminals the PNP is breaking out some unique techniques.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1164826/siquijor-town-has-first-all-female-police-force-in-ph

A fifth-class municipality in the island province of Siquijor on Saturday became the first town in the country to have an all-female police force, the Philippine National Police said. 

Maria, a coastal municipality that is fast becoming a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches and mystical folktales, took the government’s program of women empowerment one step further by setting up a police force entirely composed of female officers. 

“This move will strongly advance women empowerment in promoting public safety and security services at all levels of police units and offices in the region,” Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, Central Visayas police director, said in a statement. 

“They were trained on driving, shooting, arresting techniques and other police operation and intervention procedures such as checkpoint, automated fingerprint identification system and first aid, among others,” she said. 

Representing Sinas at the event, Police Col. Ildebrandi Usana said the “Mariang Pulis” highlighted how women all over the world had proven to be among the most efficient members of any workforce. 

“Mariang Pulis, as a show window, will also tell the world that the PNP is a gender-friendly organization,” Usana said.

The picture above is not a picture of the all-female police force. That would be this picture which is also posted on the PRO7 Facebook page.

From their Facebook page we read the following.

PRO7 launches First All-Women Police Station in the province of Siquijor 

The Philippine National Police marks history with a game-changing reform on women empowerment. 

The Siquijor Police Provincial Office (SPPO) said it is named as the "Mariang Pulis" in Maria Municipal Police Station. Said police Station is presently operating in the Municipality of Maria in the provincial island of Siquijor. 

This maiden initiative in Central Visayas is backed by Regional Director, PRO7 PBGEN DEBOLD M SINAS. 

The women-dominated police station follows a rich history of the Municpality of Maria. Long before the Spaniards came to Siquijor, a settlement known as "Kangmaya", named after a famous woman, already existed. It was eventually renamed to "Maria" in honor of "Our Lady of Divine Providence" which became the town's Patron Saint. 

Maria is fifth-class municipality with a total land area of 53.37 sq. km, which constitutes to 15 percent of Siquijor's total land area. 

Prior to the launch, Maria Police Station was complimented by only six policewomen. PCOL ANGELA Q REJANO, Provincial Director of SPPO, profiled all the assigned policewomen in the province and selected those who will undertake a capacity development training. They were trained on driving, shooting, arresting techniques, and other police operation and intervention procedures such as checkpoint, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and First Aid, among others. Maria Police Station is now operating in full capacity with 21 total police strength, the ideal police force for a Class C municipality. 

"Having initiated this new concept of gender and developmen for policewomen in Siquijor, the Mariang Pulis signals the time to move forward in promoting the vision and mission of the PNP in creating an opportunity for women to strengthen their role jn the context of policing in the law enforcement pillar," said PCOL REJANO. 

The official launching of "Mariang Pulis" is now led by newly designated Chief of Police, PCPT JUDITH BESAS, equally capable of steering the police station to its heights.

https://www.facebook.com/PRO7PNP/posts/2723964934303182

Wow all these women are trained to shoot, arrest criminals, man a checkpoint, fingerprint, and render first aid...just like every other PNP officer!! This is nothing less than a PR stunt. A very foolish PR stunt at that. In the name of gender equality and empowerment the PNP has formed an all-female police squad. Not only is that purposively sexist as it excludes men but any man would easily be able to overpower these women when they attempt to arrest him. Men are stronger than women. Imagine these women trying to take down a strong male criminal. 

It's also not true that women have been "proven to be among the most efficient members of any workforce." The opposite is true which is why they are paid less and are in less positions of authority. Just recently a law was passed forcing employers to give them so many months of paid maternity leave. What a burden on any company that is, paying workers to not work just because they are females.

An all female business is also doomed to fail.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1168182/Catfights-handbags-tears-toilets-When-producer-launched-women-TV-company-thought-shed-kissed-goodbye-conflict-.html

The story in that article is hilarious. But maybe Filipinas are different? No. Women are the same the world over.

Traffic on EDSA is a nightmare. Bad drivers are much to blame which is why the PNP is deploying lady cops to patrol the roads. But not just any lady cops, "Girlfriend material."

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/09/15/1951890/edsa-traffic-hpg-deploys-girlfriend-material

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is back on EDSA, with its armed teams seen to have a greater “intimidating factor” than unarmed traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

If the intimidation doesn’t work, the HPG has also fielded 23 of its female police officers. And both the HPG and MMDA have admitted that looks played a key role in the deployment of what is called the “ladies’ strike force.” 

Asked what the term meant, MMDA traffic czar Edison Nebrija told “The Chiefs” last week on Cignal TV’s One News: “Girlfriend material.” 

Brushing aside warnings that he might be accused of being sexist, he said EDSA “is stressful enough,” and deploying “head turners” on EDSA could ease the tension during traffic apprehensions. 

He said the inclusion of female cops in the HPG’s traffic force is part of their gender equality program. 

This was corroborated by PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Col. Ritchie Claraval, who said drivers may avoid violating traffic rules if they see traffic-stopping women who look like models directing vehicular flow. 

“One of the drivers would say, ‘nakakahiyang mag-violate tayo, may mga magagandang babae pa man din diyan ng HPG,’” Claraval said. 

Nebrija admitted that armed police officers “have an intimidating factor. I agree that there’s an institutional respect for them. When you see a police officer on the road, riding a motorcycle or mobile, armed, motorists will say, ‘Ay pulis yan, sumunod tayo.’” 

The 23 patrolwomen were among a batch of about 40 who volunteered to be part of the traffic “strike force.” 

Among the requirements, Claraval said, was that they learn how to drive a motorcycle. He admitted that looks played a part in the selection, although he stressed that all female members of the HPG – about 100 – are good-looking. 

Describing the 23, Nebrija said, “They’re not just like any other police officers, they’re like models. They’re really pretty. They are really head turners.” 

“It’s more pleasing if somebody apprehending you has a pleasing personality. They’re a game changer, so to speak. Traffic in EDSA is stressful as it is already,” Nebrija said. 

Claraval chimed in: “We call them strike force because they have striking looks.”

Again another dog and pony show. The PNP says it's all about gender equality but then say these ladies were chosen because they look like models. No ugly girls need apply. How is that not sexist? Why would beautiful lady cops make drivers avoid violating traffic rules? It's a ridiculous claim.

These ladies will not be looking like models when they are on the job. With their white motorcycle helmets and blue uniforms they will look like cops and nothing else. But what if sexy models were out on patrol? Traffic would crawl as everyone slows down to get a look. The last thing EDSA needs is women who will turn heads and bring traffic to even more of a crawl for rubbernecking looky-loos.

Over in Cebu dancing cops are helping to not only direct the flow of traffic but also keep drivers entertained.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/256415/cebu-city-cops-battle-traffic-problems-with-dance-music

Dignos, a member of the of Cebu City Police Office-Traffic Patrol Group (CCPO-TGP), then starts managing the traffic flow, a tough job considering that the area is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. 

But Dignos is not your regular traffic police. 

His day’s work is not just about blowing the whistle and pointing which direction should the vehicles go to ensure a smooth-flowing traffic situation. 

Instead, the 37-year-old traffic police performs a dance routine for 15 to 30 minutes in one of Cebu City’s busiest intersections during peak hours. 

With funny dance steps and a pleasing personality, Dignos joins his fellow traffic police in fulfilling the mission of Police Colonel Gemma Vinluan, CCPO director, who spearheaded the launching of the “Dancing Cop” project last July 2019. 

Vinluan says the presence of dancing cops in the city’s busy streets sends a message that police personnel are friendly and approachable. 

Noting Cebu City’s notorious gridlock situations, Vinluan says the least that they can do is to make those who are stuck in traffic happy. 

“We can’t easily find solutions to the heavy traffic due to our limitations. [So our traffic police are here] even in a few minutes, to be the reasons for your smiles,” she tells CDN Digital. 

He performs his dance routine on peak hours, between 7 to 8 a.m., when monstrous traffic jams often happen in his work station, the intersection of Osmeña Boulevard and Colon Street. 

Private school teacher Louie Birondo says the presence of dancing cops on the city streets has two sides. 

While their presence entertains motorists who are stuck in traffic, Birondo says a dancing policeman does not solve a problem that involves a continuous line of vehicles blocking an entire network of streets that brings traffic to a standstill.

Thanks to the power of Google you can view the intersection of Osmeña Blvd. and Colon St. from the comfort of your own home. 

Link to streetview

Using the 360 view feature you can see that each intersection has traffic lights. So what is the problem? In Bacolod the only time cops are deployed to direct traffic is when the lights are not working or at heavy intersections where there are no lights. I don't live in Cebu nor am I familiar with their traffic problem but at an intersection like this I bet bad driving is much to blame as is the case across the nation. You know what I mean: not staying in your lane, dangerously overtaking, running red lights, slow tricycles, jeepnies stopping randomly etc., etc,

There is nothing wrong with cops directing the flow of traffic and even dancing while they do it. Obviously the nature of directing traffic is a kind of dance since you are waving your hands and spinningg around to face each lane. But the reasoning of Cebu City PNP to form a "Dancing Cop" project to put a smile on your face is stupid. Why does everything in the Philippines have to be about entertainment or looking good at the expense of utility? 

Pretty funny that PNP Col. Gimma Vinulan who created the "Dancing Cop" project says: “We can’t easily find solutions to the heavy traffic due to our limitations." Have they even tried? Has the DOTr tired? Has City Hall studied the problem and issued recommendations?

Probably not. Probably no one has offered up any viable solutions to control the flow of traffic so until that day comes it's dancing cops to put a smile on your angry face.

Manila's Traffic Problem: Let EDSA Rot

I do not live in Manila. I do not know the pain of EDSA. Thank goodness. Traffic is bad enough here I can't imagine EDSA. But just because I do not live in Manila does not mean I cannot comment about what is happening up there. This blog is called Philippinefails and the handling of EDSA and traffic in the Philippines in general has been nothing short of a spectacular failure.

Where to start? During the American occupation (yes traffic was bad then)? During Marcos' era? With Grace Poe? It's funny how she has suddenly become the punching bag of the country and forced to shoulder the blame of the traffic problem as if there is no Department of Transportation who has plenty of legal tools to deal with the issue.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1163218/metro-manila-traffic-is-poes-legacy-says-duterte

Duterte's supporters followed his line and all across social media people are blaming Poe for not granting him emergency powers and calling her a useless trapo (traditional politician).  Really there is no single person to blame for Manila's traffic problems but it is always easy and comforting to scapegoat someone.  During the presidential campaign Duterte had several solutions to solve traffic in Manila none of which had to do with granting him emergency powers.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/114450-rodrigo-duterte-metro-manila-traffic-transportation

Duterte also said traffic on EDSA and everywhere else in the metro is because of “daily transactions of motor vehicles” and policies like number coding which merely encourage rich families to buy more cars. 

To ease traffic jams, he said he would improve public transportation by buying 30 or 50 more train carriages. This way, people would not have to endure long lines. 

If that’s not enough, he has previously said that he intends to put up a new train line that will run along Pasig River, the only thoroughfare not embroiled in rights-of-way claims. 

But for these major overhauls, he said the government would need money. 

He proposes borrowing P60 billion from another country or international agency. 

“I will not hold the money. I will create a high commission. They will be the ones to handle the money,” he said.  

Borrowing money for government projects is nothing new. He said the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr also borrowed some money from foreign entities. 

“Maghiram ako ng pera kagaya kay Marcos. Panahon ni Marcos napaka-ganda ng bayang ito, kaya lang, Martial Law (I will borrow money like Marcos. In Marcos’ time, this country was beautiful, but Martial Law happened.),” he said.

More train carriages and more train lines and borrowing lots of money! Just a few days later Duterte's running mate had this to say about solving Manila's traffic problems.

They may differ in their approach to certain issues, but presidential contender Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and his running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, see a common solution to Metro Manila’s worsening traffic problem: a decentralized city and the transfer of government headquarters to outlying areas of the capital. 

“For the longest time, the drive for development [has been] mainly focused on the National Capital Region (NCR), leaving other regions to fend for themselves. This is not sustainable nor equitable,” Cayetano told Inquirer reporters and editors during a recent visit to the newspaper’s Makati City office. 

“The NCR is perceived by many as the only place where there are real economic opportunities, [so] people unnecessarily flock to the region, creating problems such as traffic, unemployment and housing woes,” the senator said. 

“But if development [is] spread evenly to the regions, we can solve these problems,” he added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/745141/alan-cayetano-duterte-know-what-to-do-with-traffic

Decentralising and moving the government outside of Manila. Sounds optimistic right? Of course it does that is how politicians get elected. Soon enough however Duterte was clamouring for emergency powers to fix Manila's traffic problems. But it was the MAP (Management Association of the Philippines) who first called for the declaration of a transportation crisis and the bestowal upon Duterte of emergency powers to fix the situation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/790525/give-duterte-emergency-powers-to-solve-metro-traffic

CITING a six-hour commuting “kalbaryo” for Metro Manila commuters, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has reiterated its call for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to declare a traffic crisis so that he could be given emergency powers to solve the problem. 

Last month, the group highlighted the need for an immediate solution to the traffic problem in the metropolis. It noted that traffic congestion was continuously affecting businesses, the quality of life and the economy. 

“There must be an issuance of an executive order to declare that a transportation and traffic crisis exists in Metro Manila and, with the concurrence of Congress, secure emergency powers for the President to address the crisis by mobilizing all government resources and undertaking necessary measures unhampered by appointment, procurement, budgetary and Commission on Audit regulations during its presidency,” MAP said in a statement. 

Yap said that the emergency powers may last for a limited time like a maximum of two years so that the traffic crisis could be immediately solved. The group has also suggested some solutions to the so-called “carmageddon” in Manila like the construction of steel bridges on intersections and the appointment of a traffic czar.

Just exactly how would emergency powers fix the traffic problem?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/791556/edsa-traffic-jams-rody-exec-eyes-extra-powers

The additional powers will allow the national government to secure property and right of way within private villages, as well as supersede local government ordinances and temporary injunction against acts that would facilitate lighter traffic flow in the metropolis, he said. 

Specifically, terminals of public utility vehicles as well as ambulant vendors will be removed near highways, while a strict no-parking policy will also be implemented along major roads. 

Also, the Duterte administration will seek to direct procurement instead of protracted bidding for projects aimed at easing traffic, Tugade said, without elaborating. 

He said the powers that the incoming administration sought would neither be confiscatory nor unreasonable, as they would ensure just compensation and relocation for affected entities. 

There will also be oversight powers for Congress and the Supreme Court to check on the executive’s additional power to avoid its exercise “capriciously and arbitrarily.”

These powers will allow the government to take private property and override local ordinances but that is not confiscatory because there will be just compensation for those who's land is taken. That is called eminent domain and it doesn't always work out so good. In addition they will be moving vendors and cars will not be allowed to park along major roads. But those actions should be enforced already. There is no need for emergency powers to enforce no-parking rules and moving roadside vendors. Most notably under these powers projects will be procured and the bidding process by-passed which is a doorway for corruption. Non-bidding on projects is, it seems, the number one reason LGU's get suspended by the Ombudsman.

Duterte was not given these powers and instead of attempting to solve the problem without them he said, "Let EDSA rot."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/21/19/duterte-let-edsa-rot

"Here comes a lady, atribida tawag ko diyan eh (I call it too eager), it's good to be honest, it's good to be a crusading public official, no doubt about it you will be appreciated. Pero kung sumobra ka (But if you go too far) and you think all elected public officials are corrupt... eh 'di wag na (never mind), let EDSA rot there," he said.

Duterte is offended that Poe thinks he is corrupt which means he misses the point entirely which is that those powers necessarily open the doors to corruption and the reality is corruption does happen. Also he seems to forget that he had proposed solutions to traffic without requesting emergency powers. Instead of working with what he has he says to hell with it showing once again his penchant for destruction if he does not get his way.  See the International Criminal Court withdrawal.

It is my belief that nothing in the Philippines changes and that belief is borne out by the facts of history. The traffic problem in Manila, and throughout the country, is a culmination of years of neglect and mismanagement that first reared its ugly head over a century ago. The Wood-Forbes Mission report of 1921 has much to say about traffic and infrastructure in the Philippines.

In the matter of public works, your mission has to report both favorably and unfavourably. 

The government and people of the islands realize the value and necessity of public works and large appropriations from current revenues have been made annually for such objects as the construction of roads, bridges, irrigation systems, school houses, markets, port works, and artesian wells among others. We find, however, an undue increase in the cost of public works, due in many instances necessitated the purchse of an equipment ordinarily furnished by contractors. There has also bben a deterioration in the quality of the work performed in this service. We find also a lack of competent supervision. 

On the other hand, there has been a great deal of excellent work done. The director, a Filipino, is a man of unusual capacity and foresight and he impresses the memebers of the mission most favourably. 

An important proportion of all revenues of the government is allocated to public works, and in the opinoin of this mission this proprotion should be increased. 

There are now 2,920 miles of roads rated as first-class in the islands and 7,500 permanamnt bridges and culverts. The standard, however, of first-class roads has been lowered and we found many roads rated as first-class which are not so. There was an earnest effort made by the government to hurry through deferred repairs in order to prepare the roads for inspection. 

During earlier preiods a ssytem of road constuction and maintenance was adopted and consistenetly followed. All structures on the first-class roads were reinforced concrete and a standard work system of road constucion adopted suited to the traffic. Although the work progressed slowly, it was thoroughly well done, adequate provision being made for constant maintenenace by a force of laborers. The result was the road service reached a high degree of perfection, comparing favourably with the roads of any other country and much better then most roads in America. The terrific force of the torrential rainfall in these islands made these precautions necessary. 

We have to record that this system has not been consisntently maintained; the roads are falling into disrepair, some are impassable, and the system of maintenance is carried on spasmodically. In certain districts money has been spent for new roads instead of keeping up the old ones, which is unwise. We also regre to say that a tendency has crept in to revert to the old practice of building bridges and other structures, of wood, and a uniform policy of permanent construction has not been maintained. This practice, in the long run, is poor enconomy. Heavy trucks have been purchased for carrying passengers and freight, and regualr routes have been established on the highways. These trucks, in some cases, are much heaveir than the roads were designed to carry, and much of the deterioration noted is attributable to this fact. The maintenance service should be restored to old standards and the weight of the roads regualted, and standard sections strengthened to enable the use of heavier vehicles. The roads are, at first sight, god at the present time, but a great proporotion of the wearing surface has been worn off without replacement. 

In the Mountain Province and non-Christian Provinces we find that the service of mainting the roads and trails has been neglected, but it is believed that a better organization can remedy thse defects without the ncessity of additional revenues.

Wood-Forbes Mission Report, pgs 39-41

Granted there is nothing in this report about Manila traffic in general or EDSA which was not built until 1940. But in this we do see the trend of poor road maintenance which plagues the Philippines unto this day. A lack of keeping up with repairs, lowering of standards, and heavy trucks which ruin the roads on which they drive.

As far as EDSA goes throughout the years many have offered various solutions. The most notable solution has been an increase in the quality of public transportation. The comparison of Manila with Hong Kong and Singapore is inevitable because all three cites are in the same geographic area and all three were destroyed to various degrees in World War 2 but only Manila is still in a state of backwardness.  The public transport systems in Singapore and Hong Kong are world class. Perhaps the biggest difference between Manila and the other cites is that Manila's rail system is 100% above ground and therefore not easily accessible. There are also no vendors and beggars and street kids commandeering these places as happens with the LRT in Manila.

Stations also appear undersized, compared to those in other large Asian cities. They do not allow for very long trains and usually have only one exit, unlike, for example, Chinese metro systems with multiple exits. Access to LRT 1 and MRT 3 stations is often difficult. They are located above ground with many steps to climb, while vendors and begging children use some of the steps.

https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/bulletin82_Article-4.pdf

There are no easy solutions to the EDSA traffic problem. That should be self-evident. Duterte stormed into office saying he would stop crime and corruption and drugs within 6 months. He said he would fix Manila's traffic problems. His followers believe him but both claims are without merit and not realistic. Perhaps he could start the ball rolling on real reform but not with an attitude of "Let EDSA rot" because he has not been granted autocratic powers.

Immediate Off Street Parking is One Reason Traffic is So Bad in the Philippines

Traffic isn't awful in the Philippines solely because people drive with no regard for safety or laws. Traffic is also bad because of lack of planning on the part of the DPWH who when building the roads decides to pave right around electrical poles and the engineers and architects who construct buildings which have immediate off street parking rather than a separate parking lot away from the street. I am talking about this:

That is a brand new building constructed at a very busy intersection. The architects who designed this building took no consideration of the heavy traffic in the area and decided parking right off the street was a good idea. Anyone who parks here is going to have to back into a traffic jam and will hold up traffic themselves. The risk for accidents in this kind of set-up is very high. That is why there are so many men you have to pay P5 for backing you up.

Some of those who back up cars are even children who should be in school.

Imagine an entire black market economy of these workers who back up cars because of bad planning. They might not make much but at least they don't have to pay taxes on it. Many cars that park in these kind of spaces end up obstructing traffic because part of the vehicle juts into the road.

Those are not cherry-picked pictures. That is a standard day in the Philippines. Cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles with their tail ends hanging into the street causing obstructions. But you know what? That's actually not their fault because the most of these spots are not large enough for a car or truck to fit!

Does not fit!

I notice there is also a penchant for backing into a parking spot rather then pulling right in headfirst. This happens even in safe off street parking spots like at Jolibee. Sometimes drivers decide to back into immediate off street parking spots which also causes a bit of a traffic jam. Then you have these thoughtless idiots:

In the Philippines any space automatically becomes a parking space as long as you turn on the emergency flashers. Who cares if you are blocking parked cars or impeding the flow of traffic? Tricycles also block parking spots. Just look at all these tricycle lined up in a row blocking the parking spaces. Cars cannot get in or out without a big commotion.

Do you want to see just how stupid and dangerous immediate off street parking is in action? Watch as this SUV backs across three lanes of traffic.

Pretty stupid and needlessly dangerous. Now let's compare a supermarket parking lot in the Philippines with one in the USA.

Robinson's Supermarket parking lot

Kroger parking lot

See the difference? To be fair the Robinson's Supermarket does have an underground garage. That is a good thing. They should have left the parking entirely in the garage and forgone the immediate off street parking which is simply stupid and dangerous. 

Fixing Jeepney Brakes in the Middle of Road

I will never understand jeepney drivers who break down in the middle of the road and rather than push the car to the curb attempt to fix it right then and there. Look at this idiot inconveniencing everyone and causing traffic jam at an intersection no less.  An intersection!

How about instead of taking off that tire and beginning repairs he and his woman pushed that jeepney into the gas station that is literally right there? It's not like he is trying to jumpstart the battery or reconnect a few frayed wires either. No, no, no.  He is doing a brake job!  A brake job in the middle of the road at an intersection! 

When I drove by an hour later he had ceased all work but the jeepney was still there in the middle of the road. What a jerk.

Electrical Poles in the Middle of the Road

Ok so not in the middle of the road. I admit the title of this post is hyperbole but just take a look.

See the white line indicating the edge of the road? Now see how far to the left of that line this pole is? Basically it's the middle of the road.

Now this pole is not in the road at all. I know this because they drew the line around it to exclude it from being in the road!

Who zoned and planned this road? From electrical poles to shanties to trees there are serious right-of-way issues on just about every road in the Philippines. Be careful out there.

Dangerously Leaning Crossing Light Signal

I first noticed this crossing light signal leaning against the roof of the market on January 11th.

Curiously this signal was still working. Unsure of how long this situation had been on going I thought surely someone would fix this immediately. Two days later this traffic signal was still there leaning on the roof of the market and I was able to get a closer look. 

How does something like this happen? It must have been a truck that hit the pole and cracked the foundation.  There are delivery trucks parked at this spot all the time. From the looks of it whatever hit this pole must have been going fast. Maybe it was a drunk driver after hours?

Here you can get a side view of how this pole is leaning right on the roof. Who knows but the foundation could continue to crack and then the whole thing come crashing down.

As of February 2nd this signal is still leaning on the roof. No one has fixed it. No barrier has been erected around the base to keep people and vehicles away. Absolutely nothing has been done to rectify this dangerous state of affairs. That is despite the daily presence of traffic officials at this intersection who must have alerted someone by now. Surely this situation cannot remain much longer but it should not have lasted this long in the first place.

If this signal ever is fixed perhaps a barricade will be placed around the pole to prevent any more accidents from happening again.

That's Not A Parking Spot!

Two idiots downtown thought it would be a good idea to park in spots that are clearly not for parking!

Look at that! They are clearly in the road! Why haven't these cars been towed?

See how they are off the curb and in the street?  See how the only thing blocking them from being hit is the SUV that is parked against the curb? See for yourself in this video.

It's stupidity like this that makes traffic slow to a crawl.