Driving in the Philippines

**nicolodeon** · May 26th, 2005 11:38 AM

I met a Caucasian expat here this morning who had the chance to work in the Philippines for quite some time before he left for another post. He and his wife are fond of Pinoys because they say that we are kind, generous, polite, romantic, hospitable, always smile and have a positive outlook on life no matter how bleak the situation is.

When I asked him if he drove in the Philippines, he said yes. Here are some of his comments about driving and motoring in the Philippines:

1. Driving in the streets of Manila is madness. Vehicles weave in and out without respeact or regard to whomever is in front, on the side or behind the vehicle. However, driving in the provinces is a joy.

2. Foreigners should never try to drive in Metro Manila. The place is crazy.

3. PUV drivers are rude and uncouth. The need to be disciplined and taught manners.

4. Motorcycle drivers are mad: they slip in and out dangerously in traffic. Somebody or some government agency should discipline the motorcyle drivers.

5. Most Filipino drivers tend to speed up when the traffic light turns yellow. If you stop or slow down, they will honk their horns without end.

6. If a foreigner is involved in an accident, it is always assumed that it is his/her fault.

7. Traffic rules are rarely inforced and even rarely followed. Why put them up then?

8.Pedestrians are not given the courtesy when they cross properly using pedestrian lanes: vehicles either tend to run them over or honk their horns until the poor people are near deaf. However, a lot of pedestrians cross the streets anywhere they like, whenever theylike and however they like. If you geat a near hit, they would shout obsceneties at you.

9. I think Filipino drivers are the most skilled in the world, and one of the most reckless.

10. Almost no driver follows the traffic lights when it is already very late at night or during the early hours of the following day. They just drive through it.

11. Traffic enforcers do not know most of the traffic rules. If they don't know the rules, how can they implement them?

12. Used cars are expensive there compared to other countries. When one buys a 2nd hand vehicle that was advertized as "nothing to fix", usually there are lots of small items that need fixing.

12. People, vehicles and other "moving objects" tend to pass you everywhere, even when you are either turning or going in reverse. If you hit them, it's your fault.

13. To be a successful driver in the Philippines, one needs to drive like the Filipinos do - if you see a space in traffic, get it before someone else does.

14. If you hail a taxi and your a foreigner, a lot of taxi drivers charge rates that are short of extortion. Most taxi drivers refuse passengers if they don't like the route or destination being proposed.

Ano say nyo dito, mga fellow tsikoteers?

**ILuvDetailing** · May 26th, 2005 11:55 AM

14. If you hail a taxi and your a foreigner, a lot of taxi drivers charge rates that are short of extortion. Most taxi drivers refuse passengers if they don't like the route or destination being proposed.

Ginawa na sa kaibigan ko yan dati, nakita ng police ayun huli ang taxi driver :lol:

1. Driving in the streets of Manila is madness. Vehicles weave in and out without respeact or regard to whomever is in front, on the side or behind the vehicle.

True. Specially Buses in Edsa, kala mo kotse minamaneho. And oh yeah Jeeps in Edsa, no offense commuting tsikoteers (nag c-commute din ako before in college), but they should be banned in edsa... it takes them forever to go up a flyover and worse they somethings turn off their headlights.

9. I think Filipino drivers are the most skilled in the world, and one of the most reckless.

And the most uncourteous...

3. PUV drivers are rude and uncouth. The need to be disciplined and taught manners.

Thats why they are called "Hari ng Kalsada"

**the_wildthing** · May 26th, 2005 12:02 PM

This is how foreigners should drive: http://www.clifford.com.ph/thought010405.html

The Idiot's Guide to Driving in Metro Manila

How to fit in…

DO NOT use your turn signal, even though it is perfectly working. If you still want to use it, switch it on at the last possible moment – e.g. just as you turn the steering wheel to the direction you are going.
If any of your lights are broken, continue to use your vehicle. It does not matter to anyone. In fact, the expression, “basta tumatakbo” is acceptable for vehicle roadworthiness. So even totally wrecked rear ends or missing door hinges are ok.
When entering a busy highway, insist on moving to the innermost/fast lane immediately even though you are still starting to pick up speed and entering the highway at 30kph or less. Other motorists will stop for you. Also remember number 1.
As a corollary to number 3, when going to exit out of the expressway, stay in the fast lane until you are less than 100 meters from your exit then swerve into it. Never mind the vehicles already waiting in line at the toll plaza. They will give you room.
And still on using the innermost lane, this is the lane that you must always use, even though you are traveling barely above the minimum speed limit.
Use the shoulder freely. This is an extra lane for overtaking.
It is all right to overtake a long fully stopped line of vehicles in a two-lane highway. You can always force yourself back into the line by honking your horn or using your police siren, or just by easing in little by little. If all of these fail, use the opposite lane’s shoulder.
Every other vehicle has an emergency. Heed their police sirens. These are legal. You can also get one for your vehicle. You can use it to intimidate other motorists. Never mind that yours is privately owned and you are not even remotely connected to any police or emergency response unit.
Pedestrian lanes are merely for decoration. In case there are people crossing on it and you are approaching, honk your horn, go faster and let them know you’re the boss. When the light is red, simply slow down then swerve to dodge the pedestrians.
As long as the light is green, go forward, even though the next corner is full and your vehicle will block the intersection. This is perfectly ok.
As soon as the light turns red, you still have five seconds to move forward. You must always drive like you are in a hurry even though in reality, you save very little time, not to mention the bigger chance of an accident. It even is acceptable to block the intersection just as in number 10.
When making a U turn in those U turn slots, always use the largest turning radius. You can use up to the rightmost lane as you exit the turn. Again, vehicles will stop for you. No need to add a little effort to turn the wheel fully.
If you have a diesel-powered vehicle, there is no need for regular maintenance to keep it in shape. Smoke belching is the norm here.
Always keep your headlamps on high beam. You are required to annoy drivers on the opposite lane.
If a vehicle is trying to get into your lane and there is enough space for him, close the gap so that the vehicle cannot get between you and the vehicle you are following. Road courtesy is not allowed.
Stop signs can be ignored. Simply go ahead. Other vehicles will pound hard on their brakes and just curse at you. Ignore them. They have not read these rules.
Most no-left turn and no-U-turn signs can also be ignored. However, ensure that no traffic officers or cops are waiting a few meters away. Otherwise, prepare to get a lecture on how much the actual fine is, and how far you have to go to claim your license. In the end, offer them coffee money.
If you see an accident along the way, slow down and try to take in as much detail as possible. Do not mind the other vehicles behind you. They will also do the same.

**ts1n1ta** · May 26th, 2005 02:35 PM

10. Almost no driver follows the traffic lights when it is already very late at night or during the early hours of the following day. They just drive through it.

guilty ako dito.

11. Traffic enforcers do not know most of the traffic rules. If they don't know the rules, how can they implement them?

amen amen amen!!! at pinipili lang nila ang hinuhuli nila.

**conzky** · May 26th, 2005 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by nicolodeon

I met a Caucasian expat here this morning who had the chance to work in the Philippines for quite some time before he left for another post. He and his wife are fond of Pinoys because they say that we are kind, generous, polite, romantic, hospitable, always smile and have a positive outlook on life no matter how bleak the situation is.

When I asked him if he drove in the Philippines, he said yes. Here are some of his comments about driving and motoring in the Philippines:

1. Driving in the streets of Manila is madness. Vehicles weave in and out without respeact or regard to whomever is in front, on the side or behind the vehicle. However, driving in the provinces is a joy.

2. Foreigners should never try to drive in Metro Manila. The place is crazy.

3. PUV drivers are rude and uncouth. The need to be disciplined and taught manners.

4. Motorcycle drivers are mad: they slip in and out dangerously in traffic. Somebody or some government agency should discipline the motorcyle drivers.

5. Most Filipino drivers tend to speed up when the traffic light turns yellow. If you stop or slow down, they will honk their horns without end.

6. If a foreigner is involved in an accident, it is always assumed that it is his/her fault.

7. Traffic rules are rarely inforced and even rarely followed. Why put them up then?

8.Pedestrians are not given the courtesy when they cross properly using pedestrian lanes: vehicles either tend to run them over or honk their horns until the poor people are near deaf. However, a lot of pedestrians cross the streets anywhere they like, whenever theylike and however they like. If you geat a near hit, they would shout obsceneties at you.

9. I think Filipino drivers are the most skilled in the world, and one of the most reckless.

10. Almost no driver follows the traffic lights when it is already very late at night or during the early hours of the following day. They just drive through it.

11. Traffic enforcers do not know most of the traffic rules. If they don't know the rules, how can they implement them?

12. Used cars are expensive there compared to other countries. When one buys a 2nd hand vehicle that was advertized as "nothing to fix", usually there are lots of small items that need fixing.

12. People, vehicles and other "moving objects" tend to pass you everywhere, even when you are either turning or going in reverse. If you hit them, it's your fault.

13. To be a successful driver in the Philippines, one needs to drive like the Filipinos do - if you see a space in traffic, get it before someone else does.

14. If you hail a taxi and your a foreigner, a lot of taxi drivers charge rates that are short of extortion. Most taxi drivers refuse passengers if they don't like the route or destination being proposed.

Ano say nyo dito, mga fellow tsikoteers?

I had the chance to drive in the states when I went there last year. My driving experience is truly a wonderful and joyful one. It's exactly the opposite of what's happening in RP's roads. I can't blame him for saying his negative observations.

**20vanda01** · May 26th, 2005 02:57 PM

We have a US-citizen FSE (field service engineer) in our company, who stayed in Phil for 3 years. Of course he learned how to drive like Pinoy during his stay. He told me (thru mail)when he get back to statest (NV-Nevada), he got 2 tickets for traffic violation within his 2 weeks back in NV.

**WeaponX** · May 26th, 2005 02:57 PM

Well, wala sa States nyan!

Seriously, I'm trying to be a good driver but the problem is yung iba masyadong mayayabang, walang modo etc. Nadadamay ka sa kagagawan din nila. Kahit ayaw mong gawin, gagawin mo na rin.

For example, red light, walang dumadaan sa kalsada. Yung nasa likuran mo, busina ng busina. Gusto kang patawirin na. Tama ba yun? Ayun, minsan napagbibigyan ko.

Tama lang yung observations ng foreigner. Kakahiya naman.

**boydapa** · May 26th, 2005 03:13 PM

ako gamit ko yun idiot's guide hehe

dahil kng hindi wala ka patutunguhan

kelangan pag nag drive ka dito sa manila para kang sperm na nakikipag unahan sa iba pang sperm(kotse) sa pupuntahan

hehe

**conzky** · May 26th, 2005 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by 20vanda01

We have a US-citizen FSE (field service engineer) in our company, who stayed in Phil for 3 years. Of course he learned how to drive like Pinoy during his stay. He told me (thru mail)when he get back to statest (NV-Nevada), he got 2 tickets for traffic violation within his 2 weeks back in NV.

His driving had been "Filipinized" already, that's why.hehehehe!