Yesterday afternoon, I had a little mission that I went on with a friend. We had scheduled an activity that we both wanted to do. My friend, Lucky, is a German who is also studying Bisaya like I am. We both have the same teacher (Bebe), so we met through her some time back. Lucky and I decided last week to have a little weekly activity together that would make for a good language practice for us. That’s not what I am writing about today, though. I’ll write an article about that next week.
When Lucky came to my house, though, he was running later than I expected. When I asked Lucky how it was going, he told me that he had trouble getting to my house, because there was a transportation strike! Hmm… funny, I had heard nothing about any impending strike. For those who don’t know, a transportation strike in the Philippines is when Jeepney drivers go on strike. Since the Philippines relies heavily on Jeepnies for getting people from one place to another, a transportation strike can literally paralyze a City, especially a big City like Davao.
I asked Lucky why the drivers went on strike, and he told me that the taxi driver that had brought him to my place had explained it to him (in Bisaya), and he only understood a little bit. So, I did a little research and I must admit that I was kind of shocked at what I learned.
The Jeepney Drivers went on strike because the Department of Transportation and Communications recently drastically increased the fines for driving violations by Jeepney Drivers. For example, if a Jeepney driver lets a passenger stand on the step board of the vehicle, the fine used to be P277 for the offense. Under the new regulations, the fine for this offense is now as high as P5,277, more than $100! That is a huge amount considering that the driver probably makes no more than P300 to P400 per day in income. So, we are talking like 2 weeks worth of income for letting somebody ride on the step board, something which is a very common event? And, to take the fine from P277 to P5,277 in a single step is just beyond what should happen, in my opinion.
Now, there are some new fines which I totally agree with, though. For example, if the driver is caught taking illegal drugs the penalty is now P10,000 and automatic revocation of the driver’s license. For me, a stiff penalty like this is deserved for a driver that is caught taking drugs. For driving under the influence of alcohol the fine is now P5,000. For me, that is light, it should be the same as the fine for drug use.
Drivers can also be fined for wearing tsinelas or slippers. There are a number of other new penalties and offenses. Some I agree with, many I don’t though.
If you were a person making P300 per day, and you got stuck with a fine that was 2 weeks pay, what would you do? I know that if it happened to me, I’d be in dire shape.
Simply put , legal extortion, this kind of behavior of any government is unacceptable. I feel for the jeepney drivers…its a hard hard way to make a living and now those empowered are extorting hard earned and hard needed peso's from those who need it most. I would whole heartily support the strike…for my fear would be what next? If its more money via tickets thier after have the police hand out smaller fines in larger numbers…I would venture to say a few million peso's per day could be had simply enforcing thier current laws…like lets say..actually stopping at red lights, illegal or improper lane changes(a kings ransome on this one) ect….
Kamusta ka Bob,
What would I do?
For one, I wouldn't let anyone ride on the step board anymore, I am guessing this can be dangerous, and there is a reason for such a jump in the amount of the fine. So it must be something the local government or authorities want to take care of, and make sure it doesn't happen anymore…but I am just guessing.
I know this is probably a "normal" thing to see happening there, but I have a feeling there have been some people seriously hurt or killed because of it.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny
Bob
How does this differ from how the Trikes are regulated?
…also isn't it election year next year???
Hi, I think maybe a 500 peso or so fine would be more appropriate. About an average days pay or a little more. Same as the fines are here in most states in Australia. I have no doubt that persons have been seriously hurt and even killed from riding on the step board of the jeepney's, but I do not agree at all with the fine being that high. Thats just ridiculous. who could afford it? Thats like me paying $1500 for not wearing my seatbelt, when the fine here is around $140. Who gets the proceeds from the traffic fines there? Local government, council?
Cheers
Hi Bob,
I'm wondering how the driver is supposed to prevent people from jumping on the rear step board while keeping an eye on traffic and everything else? Does the driver have the option of going to "Traffic Court " and fighting the fine before a Justice of the Peace or do they have to pay the policeman on the spot? How does it work in Davao with traffic tickets?
It does seem like a bit of a money grab. In Toronto ( Canada )I've noticed the police like to put radar traps for speeders at the bottom of the steepest hills. Those hills are the ones where if your foot isn't on the brake you'll be sure to be over the speed limit. It's a real money-maker for city hall!
Who thinks up these fines ? Is he getting a kickback too ? Thats not fare. I could understand a couple of hundred pesos .. Do I see more bribes coming .. Phil n Jess
Bob,
I agree the increase is way too high, but maybe it will help improve driving practices. We have all almost being hit the way drivers pull out without looking and maybe a horn honk. With the fines for expired or no license and the drinking or drugs might help. One other problem here is people get their license without even a driving test.
Hi Bob – Let me see, now: What would I do if I was making P300 @ day and got stuck with a fine that was 2 weeks pay?
a) Seek otang otang with my friend, Mindanao Bob.
b) Take the officer presenting the fine "for a ride."
c) Ask kuya to get the motorcycle while I get the black ski masks.
d) All of the above.
😆
This one is hard for me to say what I want to say because I'm a visitor and can't speak out about a public official, I don't know if I'd even say what you said here.
There is a mindset in Davao that is troubling to me. Its a double edged sword in some cases a wonderful one. There are some really cool things going on there. On the other hand, the way things are sometimes done there its a bit much.
its good to keep crime down but it seems sometimes that same mindset flows over into other things. A P5000 fine for hanging off the back of a Jeepney to me is like how dare you ignore my rule. On the other hand, its pretty dangerous thing to do and perhaps the officials want to make it stop. This would stop me from letting anyone do it! People probably don't realize how dangerous it is but the city officials would know as they see the aftermath and hear the complaints from the families when their loved one smashes his head into the pavement. Maybe they should put a fine on the person doing it too! its so common though, its like a part of the culture especially for teenage boys on their way home from highschool.
I smoked a cigar last night, on my front porch. Jessie likes the way the make me smell but neither one us wants the house smelling like that. I couldn't do that in Davao?
They make the Jeepney drivers wear shoes? I knew there was a push to get tricycel and motercycle drivers to do that. There are too many one legged people around here that is often caused by not wearing shoes and riding a bike. I know you know this though.
Davoa sounds like a nice place, nothing is every going to be prefect. Bogo is a nice place but its small size is the main drawback and its best feature at the same time. 🙂 I look forward to finally getting to visit Davao but for now I'm going to cooncentrate on Cebu. Just because of limited funds. 🙂
Hi Bob – Just to diverse slightly, are you saying you can no longer smoke in public places in Phil anymore or have I missed something here? I will be there in 3 weeks and don't want to have any trouble as I am a smoker?
Like so many gov't actions (gov't in general, not just RP), the logic escapes me. The fine, whatever amount, should be levied against the passenger riding on the step board not the driver. Of course, they are usually young guys who could outrun most of the cops – easier to collect from the hard working driver.
Hi Again Bob, Why don't they just fine the offenders who do the riding on the back? Would that not be fairer way?
the fines are a bit high when you make p300 to p400 a day and you rent your jeepney wow some i can see for using drugs drinking i know if i was riding a jeepneny i want to feel safe and not worry about the driver.( yes i rode on a jeepney in mati ) they are very colorful and fast sometimes no room on it,its packed with people before it will move im 6'5 335 pounds i need room.lol i feel for the drivers they are trying to make a living not make a living for the goverment
This post really makes me ponder . . .
On the one hand, we always hear complaints about how laws and regulations aren't enforced enough. But now a measure is taken that is very disproportionate to what is probably needed. Because the fine is so disproportionate to the offense, the law will probably be ignored by enforcement officials. And those few who do get caught 'to be made an example of' will face dire consequences. Sounds unfair and probably won't change behaviors very much.
I like the idea offered in a post above to make the fine equivalent to a days pay. That sounds like a step up from the current fine and one that would cause deterrence and likely a higher rate of compliance. A fine 'sweet spot' if you will.
Cheers!
Hi Bob, Nicholas & Rusty – Up in the tobacco growing regions (Ilocos and Mountain provinces) smokers aren't bothered as they're contributing to the local economy.
I always keep a spare "Manila Cigar" handy for any official or officer who chances upon me in public enjoying one. They'll either join me or let me continue (taking their "gift" to someone else, e.g. family member or girl friend!) 😆
I'm getting down to my last box of Tabacalera's so I'll either have to have a balikbayan bring more back for me or go get them myself! 😉
I can understand the strike. A fine of this amount, is out of proportion, and to me it may, in some places, higher the risk of police corruption. Who would not try to pay of the policeofficer, in order to not get the fine?
If this kind of fine is to get more revenu to the government, I must say it is a sick way. Like we say here, you can not pull hair out of a balded head.
hi bob,
considering the filipino's lack of discipline, I for one supports higher fine for any violation, why the people is scared of higher fine?, i don't care if the fine is thousand of pesos, there is nothing to be scared of it, IF every filipino will just abide the law then there is no reason to be scared of the penalties.
I don't care if the fine for wearing a slipper while driving a jeep is 10k pesos, the solution for that is not to wear them! I hate to say this but Philippines need an iron hand to discipline the people.
there will be no police corruption IF the people will just simply abide the law, isn't that is one of the main reason why there are police officers taking bribe from the people? people who disregard the law and when caught the bribing takes place.
here is the problem bob, when a filipino lives in another country, the filipino faithfully abides to the law of that country, but when a filipino lives in its own country, you can see their disrespect to the philippine law. what i am saying is this, if the filipino can abide to other country, then why can't they abide in his own's country? why is that happening??
bob – few days ago, i read in the news paper about the 2 drunk korens evading a traffic police officer, there was a car chase between the cop and the koreans, the koreans was caught and jailed for a few days and fined for their misdemeanor act. But no deportation.
the problem that i see bob is this, most of the foreigner in the philippines particularly the americans, gives up their civil rights in the philippines, If you can prove me bob that arguing to the police officer for a minor traffic offense can lead to a deportation.
for sure, there are many law covering your rights living in the philippines and offenses that can lead to your deportation, and i am quite sure arguing about a minor traffic violation is not one of it.
…Paul..I'm a bit confused…you screwed up in the military…got half your pay confiscated …and THEY DID NOT PROMOTE YOU????
Happy first day of spring Bob ..Well after reading more comments on this topic .. You were referring to the running board on the side of the vehicles and the bumper in the back is that included in the fines too ..Usually their is a person riding on the bumper getting people to ride an collect the fares ..So I am presuming that it is all about the running boards .. so they should remove the running boards ..don't need them anymore they are just glitter now ..no use to anybody .. so why have them it they cost so much in fines ..? ..Phil n Jess
well you know what will start to happen the cops will start up a little side buisines and take there look the other way fee from the drivers instead of writting them tickets the drivers will start giving the cops a little tip to look the other way when they get caught !
dans
I might be wrong since I have not actually read the law but from what I have heard all you have to do is offend a Philipino. Its about how they FEEL. It has nothing to do with what you said or meant. I would think even disagreeing with a corrupt official would most likely offend them. Of course if they weren't corrupt I think they most likely wouldn't be offended.
If this is true then taken to extremes you could be deported for saying that the Philippines is a wonderful place. When A Philipino is offended because he thinks its a hole. Granted most Philipinoes are not confrontational and would never file a complaint even if they were intentionally and badly offended but it only takes one jerk to get you deported.
Bob – I think this would make an interesting article. Finding out the exact details of what this law and others say about being deported. hint hint
Hi Bob,
I agree the fine seems a little steep. But when I was there in Davao, there was the driver, and a companion who collected the fares. Wouldnt it be his job to make sure the step is not being used? Also, maybe this might force sum more jeepneys on the streets to take up the slack.
It's getting crazy everywhere with governments trampling on the rights of the common people and levying taxes until we are crushed under the swelling tide of government bloat-ocracy.
I hear that there will be a national strike on Monday?
I just got finished reading an article about a new proposed helmet law there. While I agree helmets save lifes, I also believe this puts another finanical burden on some of the poorest people there. Many depend on their motorcycle not just for their work, but for family transportation as well.
In Bukidnon, while enjoying lunch at a road side diner, I noticed something I considered quite humorous at the time. An entire family of six on a motorcycle. I soon came to the conclusion that this was probably the only transportation this family had. They were doing what they needed to do to get by. I would imagine that its already illeagle to have six persons on a motorcycle, now the added cost of helmets.
Hi Bob,
This is very easy to fix; just remove the steps and hand holds from the vehicle, with nothing to stand on or hold, you have no choice but to sit inside. The pasangers are safe and the driver does not have to worry about hangers on.
The sharp increase in fines is not fair, should be more driver education starting with parents who teach the young to drive. My brother in laws son now drives just like his dad; fast and reckless with no regard for pedestrians.