00:08 Road Rage is now being investigated by the Senate and several government agencies.
00:15 We have some reminders for the motorists.
00:18 To talk about this, we have the Assistant General Manager for Operations of MMDA, David Angelo Vargas.
00:27 Good afternoon to you.
00:28 Good afternoon.
00:30 Sir, there are some plans, this is being investigated by the Senate, right?
00:34 There was a road rage in Quezon City. There are some laws to consider road rage as a crime.
00:42 But for now, how is MMDA or traffic enforcers handling this?
00:47 Because there are existing laws for, for example, violent incidents or reckless driving.
00:54 Please explain to us how the MMDA handles this.
00:57 Usually, when we have apprehensions, we teach our enforcers to handle it calmly.
01:07 And then, if there is a regular filing, MMDA assists the two parties.
01:17 In case our officers are involved in a road rage incident, MMDA provides a lawyer for the enforcers.
01:26 I know that there were incidents where your enforcers were attacked.
01:31 But for now, is there already a definition of road rage or it falls under the other traffic violations
01:38 or even the violations under the revised penal code?
01:41 Well, road rage, by definition, is an emotional response relative to a stressful situation.
01:49 So, the typical apprehension would still fall under assault, public scandal, and so on.
02:01 Because, for example, sometimes, they will chase you or they tend to violate the law when they chase you on the road because of road rage.
02:10 They tend to violate during those particular situations.
02:14 But there are also, for example, LTOs, they issued reminders to the public on how to handle the heat of the head or on the side of MMDA.
02:23 What are your reminders or tips for our motorists?
02:26 Well, first of all, personally, eat before you leave the house because you tend to be more agitated when you're hungry.
02:34 Second, you plan ahead because if you rush and break traffic rules,
02:40 the few seconds difference could really make a terrible situation.
02:45 You might cut and then you might get hit.
02:48 Instead of being able to make it easier, you might be more agitated.
02:52 Second, follow the traffic schemes and the traffic regulations so that the road will be better.
03:01 And be mindful of your environment because you can't control your surroundings but you can control yourself.
03:11 This is your plan, your advice to motorists.
03:16 But for example, how do you handle your enforcers?
03:20 Do MMDA enforcers have specific training when it comes to this?
03:26 We have a division, particularly the traffic education division, which educates our traffic enforcers on how to handle calmly our agitated motorists.
03:39 So, what we teach them is maximum tolerance.
03:44 Then again, all of us, humans, always fall down to emotions but we always teach maximum tolerance to our people.
03:55 For the bystanders, EGM, sometimes they say they're more busy making videos than helping if they see someone getting hurt or fighting.
04:05 What should they do if they see this?
04:09 Usually, our automatic response, especially to the netizens, is to take their phone and make a video.
04:17 But I think the best thing to do is to first, stay away from them because if the situation is hot, they might get hurt.
04:26 Second, find the right authority.
04:30 Whether there's an enforcer there or a police or a barangay nearby, it is best to call someone in position to better handle the situation.
04:40 But the MMDA has a hotline for these kinds of accidents. I know LTO has one.
04:47 Yes, ma'am. We have hotline 136. So if you get hurt or have a road raid situation, just dial 136.
04:55 We'll continue our discussion later on about the other programs of MMDA. We're joined by MMDA Assistant General Manager David Angelo Vargas in our newsroom here in CNN Philippines.
05:10 Let's continue our discussion on the topic of road rage. We're joined by MMDA Assistant General Manager David Angelo Vargas.
05:24 The Senate is saying that one of their aims is in aid of legislation because it's possible that there will be bills that will make road rage a crime.
05:36 They will define it. Even the version I saw in the House, the government officials involved here can be charged with perpetual disqualification from any government post.
05:47 Will MMDA support this kind of bill or do you think that the existing laws are enough for this?
05:54 I think, ma'am, there are existing laws that can penalize the person involved in these situations.
06:05 I think, although we share the same side with that, I think ACT-CIS is the one filing the bill.
06:17 I think what we need to look at is if the person is not willing, can the evidence be used even if they are not willing to file.
06:29 Because in criminal cases, the prosecutor is always the state or the national government.
06:37 The state versus this particular person.
06:40 So, the case can still be filed but if the evidence is not given by the person directly involved in the case, will it be admissible in court?
06:53 So, I think, although anyone can file a case to prosecute this person, I think there needs to be a way for the government agencies to step in.
07:03 In this case, the cyclist doesn't want to file a case.
07:07 But the senators are saying it's a serious issue about public order and security that there should be a deeper discussion about this.
07:16 Since we're done, I want to ask you about another program of MMDA.
07:23 This is the bare months, sir.
07:25 So, usually, the number of vehicles on the road increases when it's bare months.
07:31 People are very busy.
07:32 And every year, there are programs of MMDA to lessen traffic.
07:38 Has the Metro Manila Council already discussed this or the MMDA?
07:43 The usual program is to extend the mall hours and then, there's a continuous dissemination of information that, please plan ahead.
07:53 Yes.
07:54 Because if you can reach the bare months, it will really be simultaneous.
08:00 But you will issue different measures, usually, during the holiday season.
08:05 Yes.
08:06 Another thing, it's hot to talk about the proposal to share the bicycle lane with the motorcycle riders.
08:14 Has there been a decision made on that, John?
08:16 Last time, we faced the organization of motorcycle riders and cyclists.
08:23 As of now, they've made a decision.
08:26 There's still no permanent decision, but it looks like it's heading towards that they don't want a shared lane.
08:33 Different speed is dangerous for the cyclists.
08:37 And the cyclists and motorists are also admitted there.
08:41 So, we will face them again for the second time and we'll let the public know when there's a proper decision regarding this.
08:51 It's also good that they're studying it well so that the side of both the bike riders and the motorcycle riders can be taken.
08:59 Another thing, I know you're also monitoring this because other motorcycle riders are using bus lanes.
09:05 Yes, bus lanes.
09:06 So, what's the plan for that?
09:07 Because I know that the MMDA is asking for a catch, right?
09:11 Yes, ma'am.
09:12 Until now, there's still apprehension because bus carousel is only for buses.
09:19 And for government emergencies like our ambulances.
09:25 We can't monitor all the roads.
09:30 So, once there's a resolution regarding the NCAP, it will be a big help.
09:38 But up to now, we're still apprehensive about all the unauthorized use of bus carousel.
09:45 Lastly, AGM, can you remind our motorists about road rage, the right behavior when on the road, and the hotline or contact numbers of the MMDA?
09:58 Okay. So, if you're involved in a road rage incident, you should always remember to be calm. You can't control your environment.
10:15 You can only control your emotions, which can mitigate and control the outcome of your situation.
10:22 And if you're involved, you should always remember to find an authorized person to handle the situation.
10:33 In this case, we have our PNP, our barangay officials, and the MMDA, of course.
10:43 So, there's someone who can mediate the situation.
10:48 Contact numbers, in case of emergency.
10:51 Yes, if you need someone for an emergency and road rage situation, it's 136.
10:59 Thank you very much to MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations, David Angelo Vargas.
