The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority conducts a clearing operation in Barangay 662 in Zone 71, District 5, Manila, on Wednesday, February 14. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)
MANILA, Philippines — Personnel from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) surprised traffic law and city ordinance violators not just with citation tickets but also with red roses on Valentine’s Day.
In celebration of Heart’s Day, MMDA personnel, led by assistant general manager for operations David Angelo Vargas, conducted a lighthearted clearing operation along the roads of Manila on Wednesday.
READ: CAAP greets travelers with flowers, chocolates on Valentine’s Day
“It’s Valentine’s [Day], wala kaming ka-date so kami na magbibigay ng bulaklak sa huhulihin,” Vargas jokingly replied when asked why the agency came up with the idea of giving roses to the violators.
(It’s Valentine’s Day. We don’t have a date, so we’ll be the ones giving flowers to those who will be caught.)
“Kahit na hindi lumamig ang ulo nila…it’s an act of giving [mula] sa amin,” he added.
(Even if their heads don’t cool down…it’s an act of giving from us.)
A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcer leaves a ticket along with a stem of a fresh red rose on the vehicle of a driver who illegally parked on one of the sidewalks in Manila. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)
While the conduct of operations was a little more joyous than the usual ones, MMDA deputy officer-in-charge Gabriel Go reminded the public that strict adherence to the law remains necessary.
“Law is the law, kailangan natin ipatupad ng maayos. Sabi nga niya (MMDA acting chairman Don Artes) ipatupad natin ang batas pero lagi nating intindihin at lagi nating isipin na dapat may puso, hindi lang po [tuwing] Valentine’s [Day],” Go told reporters.
(The law is the law. We need to enforce it properly. As acting chairman Don Artes said, let’s implement the law, but always understand and remember that there should be compassion, not just on Valentine’s Day.)
An apprehended motorcycle rider receives her citation ticket and a red rose from a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcer. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)
A rose for every violator
Meanwhile, a resident whose property was taken down by MMDA personnel due to obstruction violations expressed her thoughts with the members of the press.
“Kahit papaano masama rin ang loob, pero okay lang po. Masaya kahit konti [na nakatanggap ako ng rose],” said Shirley Lipan.
(Although I feel a bit disappointed, it’s okay. I’m happy even just a little that I received a rose.)
A person caught violating traffic rules happily poses for a photo while holding his citation ticket and a red rose from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. (Photo courtesy of Luisa Cabato)
A traffic law offender also shared sentiments on her citation ticket.
“Hindi [ako masaya na nakatanggap ako ng bulaklak], may kasamang ticket eh,” the unnamed violator playfully remarked.
(I’m not happy that I received flowers as there’s a ticket included.)
READ: Valentine’s Day meets Ash Wednesday: Navigating love amid penance