Instilling discipline
I noticed that there are more pedestrian overpasses put up in Metro Manila. These structures are there to provide pedestrians a safe way to cross a road, especially a wide and busy one. But there are still those who do not want to use those overpasses, and would rather play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with moving vehicles. The last time I looked, jaywalking is still a punishable offense.
The MMDA currently has an intensified campaign against jaywalking. Thousands have been apprehended by the agency. Those caught are required to either attend a seminar, or pay a fine of three hundred pesos. Those who can afford to would definitely pay the fine, instead of listening to a dreadful seminar. I recall the City of Manila enforced a temporary detention of several hours for violators of jaywalking and other city ordinances, in the cells built on the sidewalks themselves. Aside from the obvious punishment of detention, it provided some humiliation for offenders, in the hope that they would not repeat the offenses. In this time when human rights seem to no longer be an issue, local governments might want to revive such enforcement. I think there should be heavier penalties for jaywalking, especially for those caught within a certain distance of pedestrian overpasses. Such blatant infractions must be dealt with accordingly. I can understand persons with disabilities having more difficulty negotiating stairs. This is something that The MMDA and local governments should address, as Metro Manila is not really known to be "PWD friendly."
A nationwide smoking ban was also implemented by the government last Monday. Those indulging in the filthy, unhealthy habit can no longer smoke anywhere, especially public places. They can only do so in designated smoking areas. According to some cigarette retailers, they are already experiencing decreased sales because of the ban. The Anti-Distracted Driving Act is also being enforced, where texting or making calls is prohibited while operating a vehicle, even when the vehicle is not moving. There are hefty fines for such violations.
I completely agree with these government actions, in order to instill discipline into the citizenry, something we Filipinos sorely lack. But if this is the direction that government is taking, it should also include those who violate illegal parking, turning roads into personal playgrounds or into basketball courts, and counterflowing. There seems to be a resurgence of vehicles who see it fit to use the opposite side of the road just to get ahead of a long line or avoid traffic. The violators are most often those connected with the government. A sense of entitlement, if you will. Let us not wait for an unfortunate incident of road rage, where someone gets hurt, or worse, killed.
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