Description

Buendia (Gil Puyat Ave.) Taft intersection, coming from Macapagal Avenue approaching Makati.

Was driving straight and all of a sudden there's a barrier in front of me. Apparently the road narrows down if you're heading to Makati. There were no visible traffic prior to the approach and so I didn't know that I was on the lane heading to Taft. I signalled to the right and I fall right into the pit of traffic enforcers waiting for me to make that mistake. The enforcer told me that I was swerving. Asked for my license and explained that he'll confiscate it and I'll have to claim it when I pay my fine. I didn't mind paying the fine if I was really wrong. When I asked what my fine was he said I could be charged either for reckless driving because I crossed over some solid line, which by the way was not visible because it was bumper to bumper and the road was dark in that area for some reason. He also said I could be charged of neglecting the no swerving sign which was placed on top of the barrier. A sign which was on top of the barrier, not a high one, and one that will be seen a little too late especially if a huge bus is infront of you. I got confused because it seemed like I had to choose between 2 violations which fine I wanted. I asked again "so how much is my fine?" He said "depende yan sa paguusap natin" (my fine will depend on our conversation). He was very dodgy and not straightforward. I knew then that he wanted to be bribed. He called his senior officer. I explained again and then they reasoned again. After much arguing and explaining and apologizing they finally let me go.

Right after I left another car was flagged and then I realized that every time I pass that road I always see someone being flagged. The local government should fix that road with better lighting and bigger warning and directional signs. That should prevent people from making mistakes. That should also lessen the crocodiles in the pit!