Ten years ago, here in Paradise, a law was passed and it declared that all Stainless Steel Jeepneys and Owner Jeeps must be painted so the reflection from the stainless steel will not blind the other drivers. Yes I owned one at that time, and I know people who ran out and had their jeeps painted Ricky tic. I thought, since I was on vacation at that time, and I was only home in the P.I. two to three months a year, that to ignore the law would be a wise thing to do, l know I’m a scoff Law. Six months later I’m home again and asked about the new law and it was explained that for some reason this law was canceled. I guess you can un-paint a jeep?
Five years ago I am at the LTO (Land Transportation Office) to renew my registration for my Mitsubishi Lancer and was informed that I must purchase a Hazard Warning triangle from LTO to comply with a new law. I thought I already had complied, as I carry a tree branch in the trunk of my car any way, plus my rock. (One could breakdown by a rice patty and no trees are available) Okay, let me have one, and then I was informed they were out of stock, and I could return in a few weeks to get one. They renewed my tag and off I went. Three weeks later I returned to LTO to obey their directive and was informed that law was canceled. I glad I kept the tree branch!
Then LTO told me that vans that have a sliding door on the left side must have it converted to open on the right, and of course then I owned a Mitsubishi RVR that fits the new law. It was explained that the left had door opened to traffic and was of “Great Danger” to my passengers I wondered, would that also included the driver’s door, as it also opens to traffic?
This question put five LTO employees into a huddle that lasted thirty minutes and heads were scratched. Again they renewed my tag and down the road I went. If it turns out to be true I’ll weld the sliding door shut, I don’t sit in the back seat anyway! Well that well thought out law was repealed too.
I do choose to live here, but I do sometimes wonder why!
Have you heard of any good laws I might have missed?
Hi Paul – I heard that down in your neck of the woods, a gal serving up an ice-cold San Miguel is required to ask you if you “want a daiper.” Is that correct?
Hi Paul,
It’s probably not a law. Just a directive from a new top honcho. That’s the Philippine alright. Philippine Public servants are not an informed bunch, only a few are really good and these few gets good job in the private sector fast or abroad. The one on the front lines are probably casual workers for decades because they weren’t able to pass the Civil Service Exam and they keep on trying and they’re LAZY too.
The hazard sign was probably a new business scheme by someone or the office itself and they haven’t paid their supplier, so the directive was change. Law, Rules are the same word in Filipino. “Batas” can be a law, rules, directive and most Filipinos translate filipino to English literally without thought.
The other thing when they complain something from you, they want some “grease” or “grasa”. They let you register because they think that you, the white foreigner did not get the “grasa” or give one. 🙂
You can ask someone to register your car for you and just give him 50 pesos and you’re gonna be ok or befriend someone in the LTO office and just give the person 50 pesos for snack and you won’t hear any new “laws”. Consider it a TIP but be careful. Naaahhh, just be the cheap white foreigner so you can write it on your blog and I have something to read.
I do enjoy this article.
WELCOME AGAIN TO THE PHILIPPINES!!
Hi Paul, that “waiter” will be evicted to where he belongs… soon. Maybe to Bangladesh? I just talked to him, told me he is sorry and never meant to offend anyone. He was just a straight talking guy who doesn’t know how to say things, and at the same time trying hard to be funny (he is not funny though but a very boring person). He said maybe he has poor communication skills, poor grammar, or some cultural differences, but he also mentioned he smelled something like racial issue? I ignored him, and told him no, this is their site. He told me this is his country. Anyway, he just wished everyone a pleasant stay in Philippines. He acknowledged that LTO is rotten. And yes, I guess he will never visit again.
Hi Toting;
Ahh, the light comes on. LTO is like a ship, get a new Captain and you get new rules. I understand now, so Thank You!
Hey Paul;
A Bib also, old guys drool. You must bring your own Diaper, as they do provide the bottle.
Manny;
Thank you for your clear and concise comments.
I choose neither. I like the feeling of that condensation surrounding my San Magoo – let’s me know that its temperature is just right – so no diaper. No bib – I can tell how good of a job my labendera is doing by how few drool stains appear on freshly laundered shirts. 😆
Hello Paul;
I see your point, since drooling is an integral part of the San Magoo experience, but the feel of foam in your hand as you bring that nectar of the god’ to your lips! Gotta’ go, I’m on my way to the REF. to get a cool one now!
Hi Paul
Off the subject, but did the storm and flooding affect Zambalas? I have been trying to contact family in San Narciso, but no luck.
Allan;
From Olongapo all the way to Eba, has sustained flooding, we, here in Bataan/Zambales had very slight problems compared to those unfortunate folks in Manila. Higher elevations faired okay, yet close to rice field, not so well. That’s pretty much all I know about it. If any of my friends who live out there get in contact with me I’ll post it here. Hope it all turns out well for your family. Sorry I could not be more help!
Hi Paul
Thank you for the info. We finally heard from the family last night. It seems everyone is okay, (Thank God), but on the rice fields, we will have to wait and see. It does not look good.I have warned my kids ( 15 & 17) that they may not get that much for Xmas. We always send some money to help out that time of year and this year we will probably have to send more. The family in the Philippines will need food a hell of a lot more than my kids need new CDs.
I hope your family are all well. It will be a few years before I will be visiting the Philippines again, but when I do, I will try and contact you while I am there. Cold San Miquels on me!!