Traffic Feng Shui

Cebu, Philippines — Traffic has become the new normal. It is problematic, of course. But since when this has become a problem? There are many answers to this question which may be keys to Feng Shui integrated traffic solutions.

Old as I am a senior citizen, let me share my opinions on traffic timelines lengthening in Manila from the province since 1962.

The placement of traffic lights in the 60s started the traffic situation, although only at stop lights at intersections in the city. Gradually traffic policemen intervened with the stoplights, creating more traffic! But as the problem grew, the girth of their beer bellies also grew!

By the 70s, under Martial Law, a new traffic machine was inadvertently created.  It’s called the MMDA in Manila.  Well, the road to hell was paved with good intentions! But for whom?

From the PC, the Metrocom, the highway patrol, then the rinky dinky Hitler-like MMDA uniformed militia traffic enforcers grew in population as the traffic has grown to date! Imagine decades of growth but no development in the traffic woes solutions! And to think of the MMDA name – D for development? Yeah, perhaps only development of footbridges cathedral style!

Traffic Feng Shui is all in the mind! Which, if we mind, will matter most if we love to have a happy, healthy motoring community.

What do you think traffic enforcers have in mind?  Traffic management or corruption or both?  Now, realize how traffic has become a lucrative corruption machine and industry that goes beyond the popular Burger Machine!

Is the mindset of an enforcer geared to institutional objectives or income streams generation to support quotas by big bosses let alone many children with many women? Is the mindset of MMDA not of a bureaucrat capitalist, let alone honed in robber capitalism while on tour of appointment duty focused on self-aggrandizement personally and professionally with the aim to run in politics as mayor or senator, or even president?

Why is MMDA in the billboard business along EDSA and roads using bus stops and pedestrian overpasses as income generation units? What does COA or DTI or the executive say about this? To feed the troops?

Let’s see the mindset of troops – once hired are they subject to Endo? Or probation? Casual or permanent? Why is this socially relevant? Because if the troops are not professionally motivated to serve due to financial insecurities of tenure, they will find ways to make income!  Yes, beyond the call of duty. Yes, graft and corruption. Yes to gifts solicitation!

The troops will only create security of tenure by creating more traffic than usual, so they will be employed forever! And they will even feedback that more troopers are needed, then recommend their friends and relatives to work. Empire building of cabal rela-‘thieves’ altogether from above to below is the root of the traffic problems. This tip of the traffic iceberg is the core cause of the problem, aside from regulatory confiscations, from the past until now, that only add to the volume of vehicles.

What are they, the deregulation of car brands entry since Cory’s time, odd-and-even schemes that practically doubles the vehicles of well-to-do households, new variants of transport like UV express and Grab among others that multiply volumes on the road, let alone the lack of clear-cut policy on the ever growing motorcycles on the streets!

Traffic like drugs is a teeming in the underground economy. No traffic czar or MMDA has succeeded in past decades, instead they worsen the crisis for in crisis lies opportunities!

So there, knowing the roots of the traffic woes, no amount of grandstanding in senate or congress hearings will do right and just to our well-earned and -paid but badly used taxpayers monies!

If our lawmakers will agree by way of gentle suggestion – isn’t it time to uproot the causes of the traffic problems? Your answer is seconded in motion, your honors!

Perhaps it’s time to abolish white-elephant bureaucratic empires like MMDA and resort to our ‘bayanihan spirit’ of solving traffic with newfound community self-discipline. Government should stay out of making business out of traffic.

Where’s the beep? Happy go lucky motoring, everyone!