Why people violate laws

The Philippines never runs out of new laws, orders, rules, regulations, and ordinances. 

Yet majority of Filipinos cannot follow even the simplest of instructions such as “No Smoking,” “No Littering,” and “No Parking.” They disobey the law because they know that they will not get caught. And if ever they get caught, they are sure that they can get away with it easily because the law is not being implemented properly. 

Another reason why many people violate laws is that they are hardheaded. Smoking in public places such as schools, workplaces, sidewalks, etc. is categorically prohibited by Executive Order No. 26, but still, there are a lot of men and even women who are puffing cigarettes in said places. 

Although the proper disposal of garbage is being mandated by Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, mountains of thrash continue to flood our streets and clog our sewers.

“No Parking” ordinance is being implemented by various barangays, municipalities, and cities all throughout the country. However, there are many people who still park their cars in the wrong places which may result in traffic jam.

If those law violators will not change their ways, then our country is doomed to remain poor forever. For instance, if one is stuck in traffic, he loses not only his precious time but also his car’s gasoline. If the garbage is not thrown properly, then the people in the community will get sick. And, of course, if people continue to smoke in public places, then the non-smokers in that area will acquire tobacco-related diseases.

Lack of discipline is the root cause of all those violations.

Discipline must be taught by the parents inside their homes. They must be good role models. If the children hear or see their parents saying “bad words” or doing “bad acts,” then there is a tendency that those children will become delinquent citizens.

Now, there’s a new law which is commonly known as “Bawal Bastos” law. Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, online, workplaces, and educational or training institutions.

If the said law will be strictly enforced, then there will be no more cursing, wolf-whistling, catcalling, leering, intrusive gazing, taunting, unwanted invitations, and misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist slurs.

The newly enacted law should deter Filipino citizens and netizens from uttering offensive words and doing offensive acts. – LEONARD KRISTIAN MESA GELACIO, Cauayan City, Isabela