By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for motorists to be more disciplined, patient and responsible on the road in the wake of violent altercations caught on video and widely shared on social media.
“We join our President in calling on all motorists to maintain composure and discipline on the road,” Marbil said in a statement.
“Ang lisensiya sa pagmamaneho ay hindi karapatan kundi pribilehiyo na may kaakibat na pananagutan (A driver’s license is not a right but a privilege that comes with responsibilities),” he added.
Marbil said road rage is a serious threat to public safety and the police force will “not tolerate those who endanger the lives of others because of uncontrolled anger.”
He urged the public to be proactive in de-escalating situations they may witness on the road.
“Instead of capturing videos for social media, citizens are encouraged to help pacify conflicts and report incidents immediately to the authorities,” he said.
President Marcos on Monday denounced a growing culture of aggression and violence on the roads that has 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.
Marbil said the PNP will continue to intensify traffic enforcement operations and strengthen coordination with local government units and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to promote road safety awareness and discipline.
“Ngunit responsibilidad rin ng bawat isa na pairalin ang hinahon at respeto sa kapwa. Sa panahon ng init ng ulo, magtimpi at isaalang-alang ang mas malawak na kapakanan (But it is also everyone’s responsibility to practice moderation and respect for others. In times of anger, exercise restraint and consider the broader welfare,” Marbil said.
He urged all motorists to remember that even a moment of rage can cause irreversible harm.
“Let us all work together to ensure our roads are safe and free from violence,” Marbil added. (PNA)
