MMDA officer : Yellow bulb is a NO NO..

A friend of Mine and also a clubmate was flagged down by an MMDA officer at Kalentong, Mandaluyong..

His Violation?
Yellow bulb is prohibited and also other bulb colors.


What does these enforcers think?

They need to ban those red headlights not the yellow ones.

Why? Red headlights are confusing to other motorist, they always think that red is for tail lights.

Another ordinance is implemented by these ignorant enforcers. GEEZZ!!!

Vigilance in the time of Facebook

Vigilance in the time of Facebook
BACKSEAT DRIVER By Andy Leuterio (The Philippine Star) Updated January 20, 2010 12:00 AM

This photo was grabbed from the website which served as the initial platform for this discussion. If the authorities would like to investigate the alleged incident further, they may follow the thread at local car enthusiast websites.
| Zoom

Unless you are living in a cave, in which case I don’t know how you got your copy of this fine newspaper or its online equivalent, you probably have some form of Internet presence or other. You have an email address, photos and documents pertaining to your life are forever out there in the digital ether, and you have a Facebook account. Perhaps even Twitter. If you still have Friendster, well, good for you.

Whatever the case, you are probably aware, through the phenomenon of social networking, that there are now remarkably clear photos of a certain front passenger of an Isuzu Trooper brandishing a handgun in what looks to be an altercation with the person who took the photos. Thankfully, no shots were fired, but the intent was clear: to threaten violent action with the use of a deadly weapon.

Now, in another instance of information at the speed of DSL, friends of friends have also revealed that the Trooper is apparently registered to a female resident of Marikina. The person in the pictures is most certainly not her, so now the question is who is this guy? A friend? A relative? A bodyguard? Someone who bought the Trooper from her before but didn’t bother to change the ownership in the registration papers? A politician? Maybe she can come out and clarify because it’s all over the Internet now.

Gun ban or no gun ban, I know it’s against the law to have done what the gun wielder did. Heck, you could even go to jail for doing that with an airsoft replica, so waving a real firearm in front of a person is reason enough for criminal charges. The Trooper fellow even has his finger curled around the trigger instead of properly indexed (alongside but not around the trigger), which means that a sudden stop, a bump in the road, or even a slight twitch in his hand could discharge the weapon, and who knows where the bullet would end up in. Subsequent photos catch him with his mouth open, apparently issuing a stream of expletives at the cameraman.

I’m not a lawyer so I don’t know what the exact rules are, but common sense dictates that – if you must carry a firearm – do it responsibly and discreetly. If your reason for carrying is self-defense (assuming that there is no Gun Ban in effect), you don’t wave it in front of the first person you get annoyed with in traffic, much less actually shoot him just like the recently apprehended (and dramatically so) Mr. Jason Ivler. Your only valid and legal reason for pulling out a firearm in public is to defend yourself. Certainly not to get right-of-way or to show how tough you are.

I’m not an anti-gun advocate; actually I confess to a certain fascination with firearms. I don’t own one myself, but I enjoy shooting whenever the opportunity allows and I know many responsible owners who have licensed firearms and Permits to Carry. I know none of them have ever casually displayed their weapons in public, yet all enthusiastically share with me how much fun they have in the firing range where strict safety rules are enforced. And yes, I know they would rather be inconvenienced with complying with the Gun Ban rather than risk being caught with their firearms in public.

But I digress. My point with “Mr. Trooper” (how ironic) is that he was caught in the act of violating the Gun Ban and of irresponsibly threatening to use a weapon over what looks to be a minor traffic altercation. Thanks to the quick thinking of the other party, his thoughtless act was caught on camera for all to see. The person who took the photos, by the way, is someone I don’t know. But thanks to social networking, someone I know has a connection in some way or other to the cameraman, which led me to write this column in the end.

Here’s my simple proposal: let’s fire back at all the power tripping goons we encounter on the road. It’s not enough to complain and whine and do nothing in the end. Of course, it’s wrong to literally unload bullets in every intersection and avenue at offending parties as if this were downtown Los Angeles, but what I mean is to keep our cameras and shutter fingers ready at a moment’s notice.

Who knows how much more airtight the case might be against Jason Ivler if a few quick-thinking shutterbugs had been around at the time of his road rage incident? How many times have we come across a road rage article with no way of identifying the perpetrators because no cameras or no witnesses were around at the time?

Or let’s ask something you can really relate to: How many times have you been forced off your lane by a convoy of white Innovas and Patrols loaded with thugs masquerading as bodyguards for some self-important politico who needs to compensate for a tiny dick with a pathetic display of “power”?

I can’t remember how many times I’ve seen this happen, but I do remember one instance when, coming from the Bicutan off-ramp on the SLEX, a fast moving convoy actually feinted to body-slam into a civilian in a Nissan Sentra in front of me. The poor Sentra could not give way in his lane because on his other side was an 18-wheeler truck. It made my blood boil at the time, and just remembering it makes me wish I was quicker with my camera phone.

It also makes me admire all the more another colleague who would have none of this bullying. Upon encountering another convoy of thugs that had the temerity to point an assault weapon at him, he actually rolled down his window, pointed at his forehead, and dared the coward to pull the trigger. Thankfully, the goon didn’t have the guts to do so, and now my friend’s brave (although you might call it careless) act is the stuff of minor legend.

The next time we see another sickening display of road rage, of power tripping, and of whatever act of violence or threat that just sickens us to the core, record it. And then post it on the World Wide Web. Perhaps the element of Shame can still cow people into sticking to the rules of decency and civility.

Policemen can’t man every street corner, and photojournalists can’t catch every criminal in the act, but we citizens are literally all over the road. We’ve all got cellphones. We’ve all got Internet access. It’s time we did something more meaningful with such weapons of mass distraction than wasting our time on Farmville, Mafia Wars or taking lame online quizzes. When the law enforcement system cannot suffice to protect the population which it is designed to serve, then we the people must take the initiative.

Let the world know who these losers are. What goes around comes around. Sooner or later these fellows will realize that it really is a small world after all, and everyone will know how pathetic and cowardly they really are behind the false security of guns and goons. If it so happens that they are persons holding positions of authority, then all the more that we should hold them accountable for their actions.

What do you know? Your Backseat Driver reactions from last week’s “We’re being abused and we’re paying for it” by Lester Dizon actually pre-empted the topic this week! Your timing and sense of relevance is uncanny, dear readers. Here are some of the more apt reactions to both last week’s and this week’s topics…

Good for you Lester, that you have a media ID. For us lesser mortals, we only have our camera cellphones. Maybe we ought to just take pictures of these convoys and send them all to you so you can publish them in all their arrogant glory. We decided to return to the Philippines after living abroad for some time. Each time I encounter these idiots, I ask myself if we did the right thing. How about we maintain a pool of topnotch mangkukulams who can do wonders with the pictures? Just a thought.... – lorie624

I agree with Lester. We all go through this daily traffic mess. But regular motorists adjust by leaving early for meetings etc. If these officials with escorts want to get to their KAPIHAN early, then they should leave for it early. It is not an excuse, that just because you have escorts with you and you can use them to go past traffic jams, eh you should always leave late. I think what we should do Lester, since this is the digital age, we should take videos of these a*holes abusing the use of these escorts. I read something before that Thailand was doing that same thing in giving traffic violations. Regular people can video tape or take pictures of traffic violations, and submit them to the traffic office. However, what we should to these abusive people is video tape them with their escorts weaving in and out of traffic and then post it on youtube, facebook and all the other social networks, plus give it to the news and media people to do with as they please. I think the only way to really get these people to stop is to publicly humiliate them by putting them on the news. What’s worse is that there are times when the public official is not in the convoy and its just the escorts wanting to get home fast so that they can take a dump in the toilet. Hey, if its true, the best picture was that of Mayor Lim in this morning’s paper. He took a cab to go to an event. Now that’s what they should do! – fubar

It is imperative that we first educate everybody, the general motorists, the law enforcement agencies, and the abusive and arrogant government officials. Once we all know what is and is not allowed under the law, we can then be comforted by the thought that we would be in the right when we do raise a howl. That would make a whole lot of difference when we try to eliminate arrogant and abusive motorists from the roads to make these safer for everybody, as well as take the stand that everyone has equal rights on the road, be they a dirt-poor motorist, or a high government official. – jbespiritu

source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=542270&publicationSubCategoryId=72

Macapagal verification scene - harrasment or power tripping? Feb 20, '09 10:38 PM

Macapagal verification scene - harrasment or power tripping?

Feb 20, '09 10:38 PM

We arrive at our weekly tambay place at petron macapagal infront of mcdo at 9:30pm this friday.. upon arrival we noticed that theres a lot of mobile patrol's from paranaque city hall lead by their chief of police P/Supt Alfredo Valdez (just googled it from the net for he doest wear his identification card or surname pin) .. so we park at our favorite hang out every friday infront of cafe lipa..

suddenly chief of police come to us and ask us to show our OR and CR and ofcourse our license.. so us we bring it out and gave it to them.. then after we hand it to them the chief of police said to his enforcers to call the towing service coz our bike will be towed for no reason.. (the heck?!@#%^ we got nervous for we dont have any violation.. geez) so i get my cam and covered it so i we have our own evidence if ever..

i ask the chief of police politely why they will tow our MC's? and after my question he noticed that i am covering it on video.. (i think he just made his "kambyo" ) he told us that they will impound only the MC's without plate.. and unfortunately.. reniel resuello , a pro racer is the first victim.. his newly acquired CBR150, purchased at remcor just 2 days ago was impounded by these (what would i called them?@#$^) enforcers.. to make it short... some get impounded and some dont.. here are some pics and videos of the incident..

the police coronel (dont know exactly his name) is so polite with us Bikers .. and the rest that stayed at macapagal .. got a friend , co forumer has a problem on his bike but in the end these good officers let him go.. kudos to your crew sir..




pictures are posted above..




to watch the video click this
VIDEO of actual verification



source and posted at motorcyclephilippines.com by me ofcourse..

MCP thread


originally posted by me from my multiply blogs:
multiply blog

Bro GelGel - RFAC Volunteer

I've met this guy a few years back, When i join Ride for a Cause 3 at tanay, this dude is a great guy for those who may not know him.

He is the resident mechanic of RFAC rides since day 1, and a resident sweeper together with blaknaz..

We and Dennonyitos / trashers riders club share a lot of happy moments with this guy..

On the night of December 28, He suffered a cardiac arrest while sleeping.. and pronounced dead at 4:00am

RFAC Volunteers were shock on what happened.. a dude who has no signs of any symptoms of the said illness, a dude who is stronger than the carabao, just died that fast..

Well, if its his time already.. we cant blame god..

But for sure he serves his life here on earth very fruitful..

Others may not know what this guy did.. but for US.. And for those life he had touched.. and being a dedicated Ride For A Cause volunteer..

He is a New day HERO for me..


Bro Gelgel, Guide US always.. Rest in peace bro..

MCP threads for him.

thread 1
http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200394

thread 2
http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/showthread.php?t=200666


Funeral video coverage by papa bert
part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssQgLab_wgo

part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO6foQaLK9E

part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qknqI7HLj4s

Unfair branding of motorcycle riders by gwendolyn So of the inquirer

Wow!

It has been a while since we actually put something in here. More than a year ago in fact. Truth is, I have become so caught up in so many things that I have almost forgotten about this blog. I apologize to all the followers and truth be told, I wish I hadn't let go of it.

Anyway, a quick recap of what has been happening in the last year:

1. The RSA (Road Safety Act) as proposed originally by the Philippine Motoring Association has finally moved forward and we are seeing it's implementation in 2010.
2. Although the original AO was used for the motorcycle section of the act, we immediately pointed out that until the LTO creates a proper IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) for the new laws on motorcycles, it should remain in status quo.
3. The UP Law center is the one building the final draft for the act and we have successfully given our reaction paper and they have recognized our recommendations.
4. Besides the RSA, the DOTC has also put in two laws to help reduce accidents on the streets. The first one being the Automatic Headlights ON (AHO) and the Drink Driving law which addresses the number of drinking related mishaps on the roads today.
5. The railroading of the RFID who has met angry protests and skeptics deem it as another money making scheme by the LTO.

There are other minor projects taking place all over but all seems in check with the watchful eyes of vigilant riders on unscrupulous acts being perpetrated by our law enforcement.

And over the year 2009, we have sent over 50 letters of concern to the LTO, DOTC, PNP, LGU's for events that took place without the proper guidelines being followed.

Now comes 2010. We hoped for a good start but, early on, we were greeted with an article meant to degrade our already tarnished image.

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/wellness/wellness/view/20100105-245505/Motorcyle_morons

In the statement given by Gwendolyn So, the author of the said article, she branded motorcyclists as morons in general. Stating mishaps and close encounters with those behind the handlebars.

In truth, I don't blame her for being irked by these riders who bend the law to go around other people in the streets. In doing so, they catch others in surprise and disgust over their actions. This is something that we cannot deny and is a fact of everyday life.

However, as a journalist, she must practice responsible journalism. And the way she brought upon her article, she has broken two major rules of the journalists code of ethics:

V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties, nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature that may cast doubt on my professional integrity.

VII. I shall not, in any manner, ridicule, cast aspersions on, or degrade any person by reason of sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.

(Credits to sk8er saix of MCP for this good find)

With that said, I believe that she has just made a very irresponsible piece of journalism. And I feel saddened and irritated at the same time that we were not given equal and fair judgment because of some riders who had a brush with her on the roads.

I understand and I admit to the growing number of irresponsible riders out there too. But I feel that the blame should not rely on them alone and all the riders for that matter. We should always look back at the source and the ideal solution to the problem.

The questions should be:

1. Who gave them their licenses?
2. Who keeps everybody on the road on check?

If we practiced the proper screening and testing of all riders, we could have filtered out some of them who do not fully understand the law.

If the enforcement does their jobs professionally and effectively, then all riders would be weary of their actions because they can loose their right to ply the roads at any given time they violate the rules of the land.

As for the author of the article, I have no other message to you except for something that another MCP forumer wrote and I quote:

The article, I surmised, was written at the height of the writer’s anger and frustration over what happened to her and her companions. What could have been a well-intentioned piece turned out to be a hateful bashing of all motorcycle riders. It should have been premised on pointing out the negative and eventually concluded on the subsequent lesson to be learned from the incident – moral and otherwise.

The writer should have focused on the two sides of the coin but obviously feeling so much aggrieved and “hurt” of what have happened, concentrated only on her own side. Common sense dictates that whenever one is to open a car door (whether on the left or right), one instinctively looks outside first to see if someone or anything would be hit by the opening door. Unfortunately, the writer did not even mention it, thus, figuratively – admitting an obvious fault on their part as well.

I could also somehow feel for that particular rider who opted to pass through the pavement “to avoid, possibly, a traffic-related scenario” (my assumption). It is a fact that because of its given footprint, a motorcycle could weld its way into spaces it could insert its way through. But I believe that this should only be done in extreme cases. In the absence of any life-threatening situation on his part, this particular rider is definitely at fault.

But the writer has no right to publicly brand all riders as morons. I beg to disagree.

Morons, in most cases, are learning-deficient. They could not perform simple tasks asked of them, however, mundane. If ever they do, repetition would be far-fetch. In more successful instances, they need to be scientifically trained to “master” any specific task Oftentimes, such tasks relate to being personally responsible for their basic needs like eating, drinking as well as personal hygiene.

I mean no harm to anyone with the above-quoted statements. I’m no expert psychiatrist, a trained psychologist nor a self-proclaimed specialist on the subject but having been exposed to people classified as morons, these are the primary descriptions one may have of morons.

Trying to learn to ride a motorcycle in five minutes? Uh oh, excuse me but this sounds too fantastic even for a very receptive learner. The writer tried to learn to ride a motorcycle and gave up after only five minutes. I don’t care enough for any reasons behind why she easily gave up but, look who’s talking?

In fairness to the writer, she has opened my eyes to the possibility of that specific incident they have encountered to occur (obviously because of some “equally-moronic” passengers). She has also shared, more or less, the infraction of that particular rider of passing through the pavement, which, upon analysis, also contributed to the occurrence of that unfortunate incident to happen to them.

I have learned two things reading this particular hate-laden article. One, I would not go anywhere near a car in filling stations lest I meet the article writer (pun intended) and give her a piece of my mind. But I guess this would not happen to me. I often line up my small scooter next to other motorcycles or scooters whenever I fill up and often end up chatting with my fellow rider/s. And also to avoid this usual lining up, I go to filling stations during lull hours (very early morning during weekends, sometimes lunchtime and even late nights) to fill up my nearly empty 5 liter tank. And every time I fill up, I also fill up an appropriate container that could hold at least 5 liters of my scooter’s precious life juice. This practice makes me visit the filling station only twice in a month, to satisfy my scooter’s usual fuel requirements. Second, I would try my best not to pass through pavements no matter what. If I’m not in any life-threatening situation, I would patiently wait. I would always adhere to only pass through appropriate pathways. One of my fervent wishes right now is for the government, both national and concerned LGUs, to provide a motorcycle lane for us – almost two million strong riders!

After reading and analyzing this article, I have resolved to be a more disciplined and responsible rider to avoid reading again another similar article in the future. I hate to admit that I was really pissed off with its message. Yup, we have the so-called freedom of speech but his one leaves a very very bad taste in the mouth. I am still pissed off until now but I’d like to believe that I’m writing this particular reaction, unlike the article writer, with a clear and objective mind.

(Credits to popstar of the MCP forums for this post)

So, if you do get a chance to read this, I hope that you do not forget that social profiling is not the answer to your woes on the road.

As for all the riders out there reading this blog, my message to you is:

Let us not be hypocrites. Some of what she said is true and the way were mobbing her shows that she is correct in some aspect.

You do not correct a wrong with another mistake. If you want to be heard and your opinion taken seriously by both sides, be civil.

Posting and replying with so much anger, hate and abrasiveness will only prove that bikers have the mob mentality.

Although the person spoke of riders in general, we know the truth in ourselves so why be affected? I know it hurts to be branded as something that you are not but, as a smarter and more civil human being, we should also know better.

What she did will only tarnish herself and her credibility by being biased and narrow minded against all riders. There are still civilized and disciplined riders out there and lets show her that she's wrong instead of enforcing her statements with our actions.

Just my two very worthless centavos...

To everybody reading this blog, feel free to post your opinion on the matter and please, try to make it as civil and as sensible as possible...


originally posted by click_me

http://bikerpinoy.blogspot.com/


please spread the word..