In 2012, a traffic enforcer of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was assaulted after he tried to stop an illegal drag racing event in Pasay City.
This prompted the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release an advisory opinion to guide law enforcers and the general public on the consequences of engaging in the illicit activity.
The DOJ said these races in some instances, “resulted in harm to persons involved in the race or not, and unduly puts at risk motorists who pass through the roads.”
“The harm caused by drag racing range from physical injuries and property damage in case of crashes, to damage to roads due to the excessive wear and tear induced by burning rubber. Other forms of collateral harm include noise pollution, vandalism and littering,” it added.
Though no specific law has been passed to prevent illegal drag racing, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines and Batas Pambansa Bg. 33 contain provisions that penalize this activity.
Several local governments in the country have also issued ordinances banning this practice in their localities.
San Fernando City in Pampanga is facing this problem now. Road Safety Journalism Fellow Reiniel Pawid follows a tip on from a concerned citizen, and finds out the difficulties in apprehending those who engage in illegal drag racing events in the city.
Watch his report here:
This story, which first aired in Central Luzon TV-36, was produced under the Bloomberg Initiative Global Road Safety Media Fellowship implemented by the World Health Organization, Department of Transportation and VERA Files.
