A FRIEND of mine has four vehicles with four different numbers for an ending
in his car plates.
He is a bit giddy with the recent plan of a twice-a-week grounding of vehicles being cooked up by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority).
“The new plan basically restricts our freedom of movement,” my friend said. “In a sense, that makes it unconstitutional.”
He has a point. The government has no right to stop human movement as the Constitution guarantees freedom to travel—unless, of course, such action is contrary to national interest. Or, it runs counter to the common good.
As in too many vehicles on the road could lead to monstrous traffic jams, causing irritation and inconvenience to the motoring public—and pollution that poisons the air we breathe.
Thus, the government can step in, citing health reasons in imposing restrictions. Not to mention financial considerations, too, as more vehicle usage would mean more money to spend for gas.
Thus, if MMDA’s new scheme is to be approved for implementation, my friend’s car ending in 0 (zero) is out of the road on Wednesdays and Fridays.
His car ending in 3 is banned on the road on Mondays and Thursdays, ending in 4 grounded on Mondays and Thursdays and the last one ending in 7 to stay in the garage on Tuesdays and Fridays.
“I don’t know if the new plan, when finally implemented, would produce positive results,” he said. “As history tells us, no MMDA traffic plan has ever succeeded. Still, good luck!”
Yes, we can only pray and hope that the new scheme would ease traffic at Edsa. As the saying goes, try and try until you succeed.
Edsa, for its perennial traffic jams, has now been infamously known as the lab traffic capital of the world.
Veloz launch
HERE is the speech of Toyota president Atsuhiro Okamoto during the recent launch of the Veloz.
“Welcome to the grand nationwide launch of the ALL-NEW VELOZ!
“Today’s event gives me so much excitement, as it is one of the many signs that we have moved forward to better days.
“Right now, we have guests joining us live at the BGC amphitheatre in Taguig City. At the same time, our Toyota dealers all over the country are hosting this launch event for their respective customers. We also have you, our Toyota fans watching us online.
“I thank all of you for being with us today so we can all welcome our newest vehicle together.
“The arrival of the ALL-NEW Veloz is very timely. With the reopening of the economy and destinations all over the country already welcoming travelers, it is Toyota’s goal to address the ever-growing need of Filipinos to move together with thrill and joy.
“And so we introduce this new sub-compact SUV perfect for families and friends seeking to discover new adventures. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you THE ALL-NEW VELOZ!
“Enjoy the striking new design, powerful performance, and an improved driving experience thanks to our modern design platform. And with a spacious interior, there’s definitely room to create more happiness for everyone while on the road.
“Have a great day!”
PEE STOP I wrote this on Election Day, hours after I had cast my vote. The wonders of being a senior citizen were at work anew as my voting experience was a virtual breeze. Ushers literally escorted me to my precinct using the priority lane for seniors, overtaking long queues. My voting was over in minutes. What a relief. I felt sad in the end seeing our non-senior kababayans getting exposed to the searing sun as they inch their way to their respective polling places. It was organized confusion all over again. Onli in da Pilipins!