This afternoon, I went to Petron at Blue Wave to buy bar code tags for our product. On my way home from Petron (which is at the corner of the EDSA Ext. and Macapagal Blvd.), I made a partial counter-flow on EDSA Ext. and then turned right to Macapagal. Unluckily, there were a group of MMDA and brown uniform police (local Pasay probably) preying for victims as I made my turn. They saw me do the partial counter-flow and signaled to pull me over.

At first the brown uniform police (now to be called MIB… Man in Brown) approached and told me that what I did was “illegal counter-flow” and is a violation with a fine of P2000. He asked me if I would like to settle it under the table so that it won’t be hassle for me paying P2000 and getting my license somewhere in Cuneta Astrodome. He also said that it would take a month before I can get the license.

I thought that P2000 was a big amount especially now that I’m still on leave without pay. It was tempting to bribe that police but decided not to. I felt that it was only right for me to be issued a traffic violation ticket even if I only counter-flowed not more than 10 meters. When he felt that I wasn’t going to give him a bribe, he went to the MMDA police and I heard him say: “Tsk tsk…Lugi tayo rito…”

Then the MMDA police approached me and again asked me if I would like to settle it under the table. Again I said no. Then he went back of the van and discussed something with the MIB. After a while he went back to me and said that he will be giving me a lighter violation; “reckless driving” which has a fine of P500 (but for me reckless driving sounds worse than illegal counter-flow… hahaha). He again reiterated that it would be a hassle for me to pay for the fine but I then said: “Mabuti nga yun para matuto ako.” I was proud of myself that I was able to say that and stand on my principles. Bribery exists because there are those who are willing to bribe.

Now my dilemma… Should I report this to MMDA or not? Is it worth the time, effort and the risk? The MMDA police officer has my name and address. They can easily track me if they want to get even. Hmmm…