It is not a playground

It really takes a bad accident for officials to act. According to LTO chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, additional LTO personnel and PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) officers will be deployed along Marilaque Highway to ensure the highway is not used as a racetrack or exhibition area. Two motorcycle riders doing the “superman” position were involved in an accident in which one of them died. Both went straight to the safety wall along the roadside where onlookers stood. Several people were injured, and several motorcycles were damaged.

The rider who survived will be facing multiple charges. He may even be held responsible for the injured people who were watching along the highway as well as the motorcycles damaged by the accident. There may be jail time. The LTO has issued a show cause order against the survivor for him to explain why his license should not be revoked for his “superman” stunt. I had to roll my eyes when I saw the survivor wearing a Superman t-shirt when the accident occurred. He’s really into character.

The LTO will now use social media to catch those who are showing off or dangerously riding motorcycles in Marilaque. They love to post their antics on social media to gain likes and clout. There is also a plan to tighten requirements for those getting a license to drive a motorcycle. Aside from the theoretical or written exam, there is also a practical exam. These should have been in place when the use of motorcycles exploded as a result of the pandemic. Many riders simply buy a motorcycle and apply for a license. No training whatsoever on riding as well as traffic rules and regulations. Many ride as if traffic rules do not exist at all. Counterflowing, entering one-way streets, and disregarding traffic lights just to mention a few.

I hope the LTO follows through with all their plans and enforcement. Avoid the Filipino “ningas cogon” trait. Marilaque Highway is not a playground. It's not just motorcycles that use the highway. There are bicycles and private and public vehicles. I have watched several videos where other vehicles are involved and damaged because of the foolishness of some riders. Responsibility and common sense should prevail when on a national highway. If there are still those who persist in riding irresponsibly, maybe the authorities need to undertake more drastic measures such as installing rumble strips along popular curves along Marilaque.