I remembered when there was a drive to eradicate jaywalking in Metro Manila. There were so many sign boards indicating "No Jaywalking", "May Multa....". There was an improvement but I don't know what happened and it stopped. Read an article in 2000 and wish to share and hope that they bring back the drive to improve metro Manila and totally remove jaywalking. Here's the article from BBC asia pacific:Filipino jaywalkers shamed with anthem
Traffic police in a congested suburb of the Philippines capital, Manila, have adopted an unusual solution to the problem of jaywalking in their neighbourhood. Those who cross the streets in Kalookan at the wrong places are now punished on the spot by being made to sing the national anthem in public.
 We will never again cross a street except at a pedestrian crossing.  |
| Jaywalkers' pledge |
A new by-law passed by the local government gives offenders two choices: either pay a fine of 50 pesos (just over $1) or sing the national anthem with their hand on their heart. "There are many who don't follow the rules," said traffic officer, Genlyn Cabido.
But she was optimistic about the effectiveness of the new form of punishment.
"I think this will be effective because they don't like to get a ticket and pay the fine, and the majority get embarrassed when they are made to sing in public," she said.
Patriotic jaywalkers
Police started applying the law last Friday when 150 jaywalkers were caught.
After singing the national anthem, the offenders were made to recite a pledge saying: "I will never again cross a street except at a pedestrian crossing."
But she was optimistic about the effectiveness of the new form of punishment.
"I think this will be effective because they don't like to get a ticket and pay the fine, and the majority get embarrassed when they are made to sing in public," she said.
Patriotic jaywalkers
Police started applying the law last Friday when 150 jaywalkers were caught.
After singing the national anthem, the offenders were made to recite a pledge saying: "I will never again cross a street except at a pedestrian crossing."
 Jaywalking is a serious problem in Manila |
One of the jaywalkers who was caught said: "I chose to sing because it's free."
Another repentant offender said: "I sang so I could leave more quickly, but had I known [jaywalking] was not allowed, I wouldn't have done it."
Public unconvinced
A survey on a local radio station has indicated that most people object to the national anthem being used in punishing jaywalkers.
The streets of Manila are usually very busy, and traffic police already find it difficult maintaining order at road intersections.
Jaywalking has for a long time been classified as an offence, and 'No Jaywalking' signs have been erected on many streets, but most pedestrians ignore them.
With thousands of people breaking the rule, it is difficult to catch jaywalkers - but police say they are doing their best to apprehend all offenders.
