By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday denounced what he described as a growing culture of aggression and violence on Philippine roads as he addressed the mounting viral road rage incidents that have resulted in physical confrontations—and in some cases, death.
“Ang tatapang na nating lahat, siga na ang lahat,” Marcos said in his latest vlog.
“Ano na ba ang kultura na ito na pagiging siga sa daan? Saan ba natin nakuha ito?” he added.
The President’s remarks come as the country reels from a series of violent road altercations caught on video and widely shared on social media.
Marcos said driving is a privilege—not a right—and that holding a license comes with the obligation to act responsibly.
“Ang lisensiya sa pagmamaneho ay isang pribilehiyo; hindi ito isang karapatan. Bukod sa dunong sa pagmamaneho, ang lahat ay kailangang ayusin ang pag-uugali sa pagmamaneho at habaan ang pasensiya,” he said.
Marcos also called on bystanders or eyewitnesses to help pacify the tension rather than just recording the incident.
“’Yong ibang tao din sa paligid, umawat tayo imbes na mag-video. Ituring natin na meron tayong tungkulin na panatilihin ang kapayapaan sa paligid natin,” he said.
Appealing for calm and discipline, the President called on the public to embrace a culture of patience and respect, especially in stressful traffic situations.
“Ang lahat ay napag-uusapan nang maayos at malumanay,” he added.
Marcos warned that giving in to anger, even momentarily, could bring irreversible consequences not just to individuals involved, but to their families as well.
The Chief Executive acknowledged the frustration that traffic congestion and reckless drivers often cause. However, he said these are never excuses for violence.
“Pasensiya na lang, palampasin niyo na lang. Ano naman ang mawawala sa atin? One second, five seconds, 20 seconds. Pagbigyan na natin at huwag nang patulan,” he said.
