By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday denounced what he described as a growing culture of aggression and violence on Philippine roads as he addressed the mounting viral road rage incidents that have resulted in physical confrontations —and in some cases, death.
“Ang tatapang na nating lahat, siga na ang lahat (We are all brave, we are all fired up),” Marcos said in his latest vlog.
“Ano na ba ang kultura na ito na pagiging siga sa daan? Saan ba natin nakuha ito? (What is this culture of being all fired up on the road? Where did we get it?).”
The President’s remarks come as the country reels from a series of violent road altercations caught on video and widely shared on social media.
Marcos said driving is a privilege —not a right— and that holding a license comes with the obligation to act responsibly.
“Ang lisensiya sa pagmamaneho ay isang pribilehiyo, hindi ito isang karapatan. Bukod sa dunong sa pagmamaneho, ang lahat ay kailangang ayusin ang pag-uugali sa pagmamaneho at habaan ang pasensiya (A driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. In addition to driving skills, everyone needs to improve their driving behavior and increase their patience),” he said.
Marcos also called on bystanders or eye witnesses to help pacify the tension rather than just recording the incident.
“‘Yung ibang tao din sa paligid, umawat tayo imbes na mag-video. Ituring natin na meron tayong tungkulin na panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa paligid natin (To the people who were there, let’s help de-escalate instead of taking a video. Let’s think that we allo have the responsibility to keep our surroundings peaceful),” he said.
Appealing for calm and discipline, the President called on the public to embrace a culture of patience and respect, especially in stressful traffic situations.
“Ang lahat ay napag-uusapan nang maayos at malumanay (Everything can be discussed properly and calmly),” he added.
Marcos warned that giving in to anger, even momentarily, could bring irreversible consequences not just to individuals involved, but to their families as well.
The Chief Executive acknowledged the frustration that traffic congestion and reckless drivers often cause. However, he said these are never excuses for violence.
“Pasensiya na lang, palampasin niyo na lang. Ano naman ang mawawala sa atin? One second, five seconds, 20 seconds. Pagbigyan na natin at huwag nang patulan (Be patient, just let it go. What do we have to lose? One second, five seconds, 20 seconds. Let it be and don’t escalate),” he said. (PNA)
