When it comes to law enforcement, Makati’s finest are reputed to be obstinate and unbending toward violators. That’s why when Makati passes a new ordinance, everyone pays attention.
One such ordinance is that public utility drivers are prohibited from wearing sando and slippers. The ordinance helps professionalize those in the PUV industry, which includes jeepney drivers, bus drivers, taxi drivers, and Grab drivers.
While prohibiting the wearing of sandos is more concerned with upholding decorum and professionalism, banning the use of slippers is more about safety, as slippers are loose and tend to latch on the pedals and floor mat.
Such ordinances are laudable, but others are open to interpretation.
For example: “Arrogant – P150”
What is arrogance? It could be open to interpretation, especially by enforcers who are questioned by drivers about why they are being flagged. In 2011, over 400 people were fined for being arrogant.
Here are other interesting violations and fines you should be aware of in Makati.
Operating a Habal-habal: P5,000
Habal-habal are colorum motorcycles that offer a quick ride to your destination. They are cheap, quick, and illegal. For as little as P100, a rider can weave in and out of traffic from EDSA-Ayala to any point in Makati, Ortigas, or Taguig in less than 10 minutes. It is like Angkas, but unregistered, and hence, illegal.
Urinating, Defecating, and Spitting: P100
Perhaps another zero should be added to the fine for urinating, defecating, and spitting in public spaces, especially since urinating and spitting is rampant at bus stops and MRT stops in the city. Blech.
Jaywalking: P200
For jaywalking, P200 seems like a cheap price to pay for endangering the lives of motorists and pedestrians. If lawmakers are pushing for capital punishment to deter those who commit heinous crimes, why not raise the penalties and fines to deter jaywalkers? If no fine can be paid, a 30-minute detention also works.
Dirty Vehicles: P300
Now you have a reason to send your car to the car wash. It is more expensive to incur a fine for driving a dirty car than having it cleaned. Unsanitary or unclean vehicles are illegal on Makati streets. Enforcers are also concerned about your car’s plates, so make sure to have those cleaned, too. In 2011, over 100 people were apprehended for driving filthy cars.
Littering, Illegal Dumping of Garbage: P500
Makati’s central business district is one of the cleanest in the country because of this particular ordinance. Solid waste management remains a serious challenge for many of Metro Manila’s residents who transit through Makati every day. Increasing the teeth on this ordinance should be reconsidered.
Illegally Counter-flowing, Violating No-entry Sign: P2,000
Salcedo Village and Legaspi Village, the two residential-commercial villages on either side of Ayala Avenue, have confusing one-way streets. These two villages are also the heart of Makati’s CBD, so enforcement is extra strict here. Save yourself from being fined P2,000 by being aware of road flow and no entry signs.
Using Cellphone While Driving: P250
Distracted driving does not seem to be a very serious offense, as it fetches a fine of only P250, less than driving a dirty car, but much more dangerous.
