Plate no. XYZ-999

Since the campaign to rid society of illegal “wangwangs” seems to be well under way, let me train my sights on another pernicious travel practice. Let me now focus on the rampant use of low number, commemorative and diplomatic license plates. It is quite apparent that aside from the honor and prestige bestowed on the rider, such a plate provides a host of practical benefits. First, it enables the car to evade (not avoid) arrest as traffic enforcers would be scared stiff to stop, much more, arrest the drivers of such vehicles (although with the current administration, perhaps it may be worth a try as this would present a good test case). Second, it serves as a virtual exemption from the number coding rule (although I did read a witty columnist say that the President will not be able to use his main car on Mondays as his plate number ends with the number 1).

The use of low number plates has also resulted in another abuse — the plates are used by relatives and friends of the assignee. So it is not an uncommon sight to see many of these plates in the parking lots of exclusive schools where the children of these officials study. Moreover, some of these plates have expired as they belong to former government officials whose terms have already ended. Yet, instead of returning them to the LTO, they continue to use them for unofficial purposes.

The abuses regarding the use of commemorative and diplomatic plates are similar. In this regard, NCRPO Director Roberto Rosales reminds motorists that commemorative plates are not to be used as substitutes for the LTO issued regular plates and must be placed on top of the latter to avoid committing a traffic violation. In the same vein, currently issued diplomatic plates are to be enjoyed by the diplomat and no one else.

Without a doubt, the number coding system has lessened traffic in the metropolis. But it is also a cause for inconvenience particularly for the majority of car owners who only own one vehicle. While sacrificing for the common good is a worthwhile endeavor, the pain should, as much as possible, be shared by all.

On the topic of perks which tend to be abused, I received a thoughtful e-mail from former IBP President now Undersecretary of Justice Jovy Salazar. Excerpts are quoted below:

“Your June 19 column strongly drove the point that leadership by example among those who wield power and authority can and should once again be the norm rather than the exception. I agree with you that it has mostly been ignored and one need not look far for evidence to this sad reality.

What happens daily at Padre Faura St. in front of the Department of Justice compound showcases this fact. Many times, I have called attention to the blatant disregard of the ordinance which prohibits parking along the street as clearly shown by the “No Parking” signs along Padre Faura. Ironically, most of the vehicles belong to visitors of people working at the DoJ, an agency which the public expects to lead in the promotion of the Rule of Law. The same happens daily in front of the headquarters of the National Bureau of Investigation along Taft Avenue.

I have called attention many times and expressed my serious concern that the very agencies tasked with duties pertaining to the implementation of laws ignore one of the easiest to obey. And many times, such concern was dismissed as “trivial.” Not for me. What is happening in front of the DoJ and NBI offices daily speaks much about how poorly the principle of leadership by example is regarded in this country.

Your column has underscored a mentality prevalent today: the over focus on the perks and privileges that accompany a public office rather than the responsibilities and the accountability that rests on the shoulders of those to whom such office is entrusted.

Our new President enjoys the moral ascendancy that will enable him to lead by example. Those who will serve with and under him can and should do no less.”

Indeed, if we are to pursue the logic of President Aquino’s pronouncement during his inaugural speech that “Kayo (referring to the Filipino people) ang aking boss,” then should not our government officials use regular plate numbers that are at the back end rather than the front end of the series? This also coincides with the biblical concept of servanthood, of the master washing the disciples’ feet, and “the first being the last and the last being the first.” Following this principle, should the President use plate no. XYZ-999 instead and his fellow government workers follow suit?

That said, President Aquino should be commended not only for not using his “wangwang” but for making sure that his Presidential convoy obeys the traffic lights and signals. This is leadership by example. But may I also remind him that we would like this kind of leadership to be in place for the next six years so that he should also make sure that his physical security is given paramount importance at all times. I remember attending the inaugural last June 30 and being able to stand two feet away from him. And yet, I was never frisked nor made to pass thru any metal detector (of course wearing a barong tagalog helped). I would rather have him as a living exemplar rather than one who is enshrined in a monument.  

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One centavo this week goes to the Center for Global Best Practices led by the husband and wife team of Henry and Marga Aquende for organizing quality seminars that update Filipino students and professionals on the latest developments in various fields. CGBP’s topics range from the academic “How to Excel in Law School” to the relevant “Best Practices in Human Resources Planning” to the practical “Best Practices in Crafting Local and International Commercial Contracts” to the more esoteric “Handling Special Audits of inter-related Companies and Conglomerates”. For more information on their upcoming seminars, you may visit their website at www.cgbp.com.

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“I know it’s bad thing to break a promise,

But I think now that it is a worse thing

To let a promise break you.”

                             — Anonymous

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E-mail: [email protected]