Violence begets (belated) action

There’s nothing like a ridiculously outrageous occurrence to jolt one out of his senses. However, in this country, we are so used to the outrageous that often we shrug such occurrences off ever so nonchalantly and move on with our mundane lives. In essence, there is almost nothing so outrageous that it can shock the Filipino psyche. Almost. Nothing.

Last May 18, I arrived home from an overseas coverage trip to some terrible news. Over dinner at my parents’ house, my father revealed that another innocent victim of the most violent bank heist in Philippine history had passed away. Having very close ties to the RCBC organization, the Magsajo clan has very personal stakes in the bank and its employees’ and clients’ well being. So understandably, the revelation brought about a hushed silence at the dinner table – until my mother broke the awkward stillness. In a tone laced with sarcasm so thick you could actually taste it, she said, “Well at least they’re doing something about it now. They’re actually implementing the ‘no plate, no travel’ policy.”

Wow. Imagine that. It takes the grizzly, cold blooded, senseless murder of several innocent people to actually jolt our authorities into the kind of action they should have been routinely performing in the first place. The funny thing is that several of my own colleagues in media actually jumped on the opportunity to spray the fragrant scent of positive PR on the appalling offenders. As if strictly implementing an obviously simple – not to mention necessary – policy (one that could have prevented the tragedy) amounted to “immediate precautionary action”. The pathetic reactionary stance sickens me so. I literally shudder as I write these words.

The whole series of events actually encapsulates the woeful state of our traffic management systems. While we’re busy arguing amongst ourselves whether the Metro Manila Development Authority’s information banners actually function as pre-electoral subliminal messages, criminals amongst our midst are gallivanting around abusing our authorities’ laxity on other, more basic laws which ought to be enforced without dispute. The perpetrators of the heinous crime literally got away with murder because of our authorities’ nonchalance and laxity (Whether those who have been “punished” are indeed the perpetrators of the crime remains to be proven). The entire scenario is just utterly disgusting.

The most frustrating part of it all is that this incident will probably keep our authorities on their toes for as long as the media hype endures. Either that, or they’ll probably crucify each and every offender of the “no plate, no travel” policy until they’re all wiped out of the face of this earth, but forget about keeping tabs on other on-road offenses. Exaggerate, I do not. Such is the fate of any knee-jerk reaction.

At this very moment I’m jaded as hell. Which is probably why I’m making some pretty extreme arguments. Still, I don’t think I can be faulted for my exasperation. Any level-headed motorist can easily relate. Out on our streets, we are, each one of us, subjected to constant mediocrity. Law enforcement is an oxymoron in these shores, after all. At least most of the time.

But, if anything, we must all be mindful of what this appalling incident could (hopefully would) amount to in the foreseeable future. Hopefully, our authorities see that a battle does not make a war. Zeroing in and strictly implementing one law will not curb criminality. Only a total effort to keep everyone towing the line in every possible way can ensure a safer surrounding for us all. In truth, we don’t need any new laws to keep us safe out on our streets. What we need is strict implementation of the existing ones that are sound, here and now. Of course, it would be ridiculously outrageous if that were to happen overnight. Still, stranger things have happened. Remember, there is almost nothing so outrageous that it can shock the Filipino psyche. Almost. Nothing.

Here are some of your Backseat Driver reactions, comments and questions from last week…

Would E10 be compatible for my 1997 Lancer automatic with a carburetor? Would it be safe to use? – 09178401132 (We wouldn’t recommend it. Even some of the newer fuel injected cars are not E10 capable.)

The Lancer EX should have a 1.8 liter engine version to have a more competitive price, especially now that gasoline is more expensive. – 09175080039 (The Mitsubishi strategy is to keep the current Lancer with the smaller engine displacement available for those who want to be more frugal. The Lancer EX is positioned as a high-end compact sedan.)

Whose idea was it to force all vehicles to make a long u-turn along Andrews Avenue? It’s a very big waste on gas! – 09178888166 (We actually are still trying to find out, but we also see the other side of the argument. The traffic flow is continuous – not necessarily faster, but a bit more free flowing than before. We think it’s a compromise the authorities in the area are willing to test. Let’s see if public opinion plays a role in their eventual permanent decision.)

Speak out, be heard and keep those text messages coming in. To say your piece and become a “Backseat Driver”, text PHILSTAR<space>FB<space> MOTORING<space>YOUR MESSAGE and send to 2840 if you’re a Globe or Touch Mobile subscriber or 334 if you’re a Smart or Talk ’n Text subscriber or 2840 if you’re a Sun Cellular subscriber. Please keep your messages down to a manageable 160 characters. You may send a series of comments using the same parameters.)