
Last Monday, a video by GMA News went viral showing a motorcycle rider persistently trying to resist authorities (not just traffic enforcers but real soldiers/cops) who were apprehending him apparently for his illegal use of the EDSA bus lane. Now, the sight of a two-wheeled rider being nabbed by the police for any of various reasons is actually no big deal, but the incident was extraordinarily attention-grabbing because of the subject’s audacity in refusing to at least be quizzed on the spot.
He was able to free himself (and his motorbike) not just once but twice. Unfortunately, his balance (or lack of it) made him topple to the ground—also twice. It was a riot. As a spectator, I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or be amazed. The scene was definitely a microcosm of everything that is wrong in our society.

Bear in mind that resisting or disobeying people in authority is a serious offense—yes, even in a country where laws are a joke. Which made me wonder and ask: What could the man (who, by the way, was even wearing a military-inspired camouflage jacket) be so guilty of that he would risk a heavier penalty (or maybe being shot)?
I don’t know where exactly this should fall, but I know that Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code indicates that “resistance and disobedience” carry with them a penalty of arresto mayor and a fine of P100,000—or, in their not-so-serious version, arresto menor and P2,000 to P20,000.
Many netizens think that the reason the rider wanted to escape was his lack of a driving license or even a motorcycle registration. Some even opine that he could be a criminal with a deadly weapon on his person.
Come to think of it: Many road users (not just motorcyclists but also car drivers) have no business, well, using the road. Many vehicles don’t have legit plates, and many drivers don’t bear a valid license. You can often see motorbike riders making an abrupt U-turn upon seeing a checkpoint down the road. Ditto with four-wheeled drivers.

What we saw in the viral video is exactly what would happen if authorities started arresting offending road users. Which isn’t an easy thing to do considering how many don’t respect the law. But we have to start somewhere. And we desperately need to start now.
The way I see it, the authorities have to put real fear in the hearts of motorists if we hope to restore order on the road. Enough with the Mickey Mouse games—or, more aptly, cat-and-mouse play.
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