No change

Ben Contreras

ROAD rage is killing people unnecessarily. Not even cool or level-headed people can avoid this if one of the parties is 1) not in his/her right mood, 2) abusive person or an abusive person in authority, and 3) a criminal running from a crime scene.

A concern citizen raised the alarm over the ineptitude of our authorities to do something about counter-flowing vehicles. I used to write about this. There was no result. Now, it is on social media.

Every day, this is happening on the Maharlika Bridge especially at night. One of the reasons why this is happening, especially at intersections with traffic lights, is that drivers ahead move rather too slowly, thinking that the light just turn green, and there’s plenty of time to dilly-dally. They simply forget that there is a long line behind them while the clock is ticking. So, those who couldn’t wait or are in a hurry due to urgent matters take the shortcut–they counterflow.

Whose responsibility is this? Is it the LTO, the police, RTA or Highway Patrol? Whoever, something has got to be done, pronto.

Somebody from the LTO office opined that since the bridge is “national” but within the city, the responsibility to apprehend counter-flowing motorists can be a joint operation of the agencies I mentioned.

From the Highway Patrol, my information is that it is the responsibility of the city (RTA). But an invitation to visit their office on Tuesday was well taken. I hope to learn something from this office.

From the RTA hotline, the gentleman on the phone admitted that it is their duty to apprehend counter-flowing motorists. He claimed that RTA enforcers have been deployed there. But honestly speaking, I haven’t noticed any so far. I mean, not on Maharlika Bridge.

From the City Police Traffic Division, I was informed that it is a basic duty of the police to help in the traffic, and apprehend violators. During the time of my friend, he and his team have always been visible doing the rounds. I didn’t know he is no longer there.

Well, counter-flowing is still rampant. They could have been an awesome force to put a stop to this violation.

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How is the campaign against drugs in the city faring? I asked this question because there seems to be no foreigners apprehended. My information is that these foreigners who love to sport government agency plates like CIDG, NBI, PNP, etc. are bragging about their connections.

During the “Talakayan” on Sept. 2, 2016, I gave my business card to PDEA Director Adrian Alvariño, hoping that I would get a call from him. He must be very busy.

I once raised the issue of a friend who complained of a neighboring house believed to be a a place for “drug sessions.” That was during the time of the former director.

Today, the same is still happening with impunity. If it’s not a big question, I don’t know what it is.