Happened to my uncle's friend once. In Makati he was caught making a U-turn illegally. He knew he was at fault so he surrendered his license and took a ticket. The next few days, an MMDA flagged him down for "swerving." IIRC, this was in EDSA extension approaching Mall of Asia. This time, he was sure he did not really swerve. It's just that his car was nearing those orange blocks forming a U-turn and he slightly turned right to go straight. But in MMDA speak, that's already swerving. We all know they'll do anything for you to commit a violation and pay up.

Well, going back to the ticket, he presented it to the MMDA officer, but it wasn't honored. Since he obviously can't produce his license, the light-blue guy already added a Driving-Without-License violation. My uncle's friend was furious he wanted to get away at the start, but traffic won't let him. Being a tall, big guy, he wanted to beat the officer to pieces, but that would just worsen his case. What I remember is that he just settled a certain sum, I think half the fine of his "violations." Then he immediately went back to Makati and claimed his license.

I hope none of us will experience what he did, so whatever happens, NEVER EVER give up your license. We know for a fact that there are warring traffic organizations (MMDA, MAPSA, Choco Boys, etc.) where the motorists are the biggest losers. There are different traffic rules in different places in Metro Manila, so be careful. But if you're caught, just be ready to spare a few hundreds, which is exactly what they want anyway. Believe me, it's way easier than what that guy experienced.