The forgotten heroes
Law-abiding drivers dream of a world where pedestrian lanes actually mean something. They dream of a better world
Enrique Garcia
Daily TribuneLaw-abiding drivers dream of a world where pedestrian lanes actually mean something. They dream of a better world
Enrique Garcia
GRAPHICS BY GLENZKIE TOLO
We live in a world where stop signs are sometimes just decorations and turn signals are as rare as a politician who actually fulfills a campaign promise. But somewhere out there exists a rare and endangered species — people who actually adhere to traffic rules. The rule-following drivers.
You might have seen them before. Or maybe you haven’t — because they blend well into the Metro Manila traffic like an honest politician in a sea of corruption.
These are the brave souls who actually signal before turning, stop at red lights, and drive within the speed limit. In these city roads, where survival seems to favor the aggressive, it’s uncertain if they even stand a chance.
For these forgotten heroes, every day is a test of patience and grit.
When they approach an intersection and see the red light, particularly late at night, they stop like a decent human being. But the car behind them will start flashing headlights. Honking. Non-stop.
“Ano ba ‘to?! Gabing gabi na, wala ng mga sasakyan at mga tumatawid, di pa dumiretso!”
Meanwhile, regardless of the time of the day, motorcycles weave through traffic like ninjas, treating road lanes as mere suggestions — only applicable to four-wheeled vehicles. Jeepneys stop in the middle of the road for passengers, and an electric mini-bus with hazard lights on is somehow parked across two lanes.
The law-abiding driver sits there, gripping the steering wheel, whispering to themselves: “Parang ayoko na sa earth.”
One of the biggest betrayals a rule-following driver experiences is using turn signals.
They activate their signal 100 meters before turning — a textbook-perfect move. But what happens, almost every time, is that the car or motorcycle behind suddenly speeds up to block or overtake them.
“Ano ka, sineswerte? Over my dead bumper!”
Meanwhile, the guy who doesn’t use a signal effortlessly cuts across lanes, unbothered, with the smoothness of a sweet-talking politician switching parties.
Metro Manila’s handful of roundabouts are supposed to keep traffic flowing smoothly. But to a rule-following driver, they are circles of doom.
They enter cautiously. They yield to cars inside the roundabout. A responsible move, right? WRONG.
The honking starts. The car behind you starts flashing its headlights like it’s trying to send a signal to aliens. A jeepney driver shakes his head and glares at you. A motorcycle rider yells, “Diretso na ‘yan, boss!”
Welcome to Metro Manila’s roundabouts, mga boss.
It’s like the city is punishing you for your civic responsibility. Someone, somewhere is praying for your downfall.
For some, if not many, Metro Manila drivers, lanes are a concept, not a rule.
But the rule-followers respect lane markings like it’s a sacred oath. They stay within the lines. They don’t cut across three lanes to make a last-second U-turn.
And what do they get for it? They get left behind.
Meanwhile, the cars that drive like it’s Grand Theft Auto: Manila Edition have already reached their destination.
Law-abiding drivers dream of a world where pedestrian lanes actually mean something. They dream of a better world.
When I was a kid living with my uncles in Manila during summer break, I remember seeing a poster from their fraternal order that read: “For tomorrow shall cast a myriad of mighty storms that only those with firm determination and a Utopian vision do survive.”
Rule-followers have unwavering resolve and a vision of an ideal society. But are they determined enough to weather and survive the Metro Manila traffic storm?
They slow down for a pedestrian trying to cross, like how the law intended. But what happens?
The pedestrian hesitates, confused why a car is stopping for them.
The car behind starts honking like there’s a fire.
A motorcycle whizzes past, nearly taking out the pedestrian.
In the end, it becomes a waiting game to see who makes the first move.
Because they don’t trust the system either.
Ever tried parking properly in a mall? The rule-following driver does. Perfect alignment. Between the lines. No wheels sticking out.
Then they step back and look around.
A full-sized SUV has taken two parking slots for no reason.
A tiny car is parked diagonally.
Someone left their car in “basta kasya” mode.
The rule-following driver sighs, realizing that they are a lone warrior in a world of parking anarchy.
With every ignored stoplight, every honk at a legal full stop, and every near-death experience at a roundabout, the rule-following driver wonders…
“Is it me? Am I the problem?”
The answer is no. They are the last line of defense. The only thing standing between complete system breakdown and whatever fragile order remains.
One day, maybe, Metro Manila will reward them instead of punishing them — like a “Traffic Rules Obedient Discount” at gas stations. Or better yet, instead of just handing out violation tickets, the MMDA could start issuing “Most Patient Driver” awards to our forgotten heroes — complete with sash, a trophy shaped like an orange traffic cone and a year’s supply of stress balls.
But until then, they drive on. Following the rules. Against all odds.