Is This Confusing Traffic Sign in Makati a Way to Trap Motorists?
When in Manila, traffic signs are not always clear. And even if they are, both citizens and the police force have their own interpretations of them, making up a complex web of unwritten rules. Sadly, some members of the police force use these confusing traffic signs to their own advantage by asking for bribes from clueless motorists.
Take this traffic sign in Makati, for example. A reader sent this story to us after we published a story about an obscure U-turn sign that the MMDA fixed after reading the article. According to our reader, “We applaud and can’t thank you enough for the positive change because of your No U-Turn article. Unclear road signs are fuel to corrupt MMDA / city traffic enforcers/ PNP (Philippine National Police), which unfortunately is being experienced not only by us fellow taxpayers-Filipinos but also foreigners who are here in Manila. We’ve had several foreigner friends (and 1 expat) who experienced kotong (bribery) by Pasay traffic enforcers. Sadly, Pasay is the gateway of the world to Manila.”
In the story we received, a “No Entry” sign along J.P. Rizal Avenue in Makati is confusing first-timers in the area. Unless you drive by on a frequent basis, you’re not sure where the ‘no entry’ rule applies. Does it apply to going straight to JP Rizal? Or turning right to Pasong Tirad? The reader said that it has been a gray area, and that officers are using it to collect bribes for many years now.
The story reads:
If you look at the red arrow on the map, all vehicles coming from the Manila portion of J.P. Rizal have to turn right to Pasong Tirad and then left to Kalayaan Avenue to their point of destination.The opposite direction, where I drew the green arrow, from the corner of A. Reyes to J.P. Rizal is one way (Bound to manila)The problem is the road sign on the post which says “No Entry” (blue circle corner of JP Rizal and Pasong Tirad).
And then you have the violet X mark on the map. This is where the Yellow Boys or Makati City enforcers stand by in the morning and wait for their prey. I pass here before everyday and not a single day I don’t see them stopping a car and issuing tickets or receiving lagay. (bribe)
Is This Confusing Traffic Sign in Makati a Way to Trap Motorists?
