ROAD RAGE IS a significant and increasing problem in the Philippines and while currently handled under existing laws like the Revised Penal Code, lawmakers are pushing for a comprehensive Anti-Road Rage Act to define it as a specific crime so penalties can be imposed.
However, over the past decade or so, motorcycles have transformed the country’s roads with registered motorcycles nearly doubling from around 5 million to over 9 million.
If trends continue, motorcycle registrations could exceed 12 million by 2027.
Unfortunately, this surge has brought a spike in traffic violations, road accidents and significantly, road rage.
In 2023, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group recorded over 10,000 road rage incidents—up from 6,200 in 2019.
Without serious reforms, road tension and accidents will definitely rise.
DISCIPLINE IS NO. 1
Going back to traffic rules and regulations, authorities insist that in order to avoid problems, obeying traffic is all important because it is its most basic form. Discipline is the number one policy in driving safely (and conveniently).
Yet, according to Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA)’s deputy ddministrator for operations and engineering Assistant Secretary Paul Chua, many motorcycle riders openly ignore the rules—swerving, counterflowing, sidewalk riding and beating red lights —these becoming the normal trends while fueling conflict and risking lives.
‘Many riders were never trained in safe or legal driving, yet they dominate the road through sheer numbers and speed.’
DEFENSIVE vs OFFENSIVE DRIVING
In most cases, drivers of four-wheeled vehicles are taught defensive driving and through the lessons, they learn to anticipate hazards, respect right-of-way and traffic rules and practice discipline.
These drivers are licensed, insured and monitored, making them generally more law-abiding. But in contrast, many riders of motorcycles, tricycles and electric scooters exhibit offensive driving, prioritizing their own means of using shortcuts over what us accepted as safety precautions.
This widening gap between driving cultures leads to daily road confrontations—alas, road rage.
REGULATORY GAPS
One major issue in traffic enforcement is the behavior of owners of electric motorcycles. Many operate of them travel without license, registration or insurance. These vehicles are also openly seen operated by minors or untrained individuals and are often overloaded or modified and yet, they rarely face the consequences.
To make matters worse, traffic enforcement is also inconsistent—if non-existent at all. Four-wheel drivers, especially in the city of Manila under the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), are often penalized for minor infractions. Meanwhile, motorcycle riders and tricycles regularly violate traffic rules without being stopped as if they are the “kings of the road”.
This unequal enforcement breeds resentment and repeat offenses.
Another often overlooked cause of conflict is the difficulty of dealing with riders who argue without understanding traffic laws. Many irresponsible riders, especially those without formal education, are unaware of basic road rules. When confronted, they respond with aggression rather than reflection, thus escalating the situation into road rage.
KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING LACK
Many riders were never trained in safe or legal driving, yet they dominate the road through sheer numbers and speed. Their insistence on always being first—regardless of signage or road priority—leads to dangerous encounters.
Arguing becomes pointless when the basic language of law, discipline and civic duty is missing. This disconnect between regulation and rider behavior must be addressed through education and firm enforcement.
Worryingly, road rage is increasingly directed at traffic enforcers. Many car drivers feel unfairly targeted while motorcycle violations are ignored. The perception of selective enforcement has weakened public trust in traffic authorities. If left unchecked, these tensions could lead to more violent incidents.
Where the no contact apprehension policy is enforced, violations by two-wheelers have declined. This shows that when penalties are certain, behavior improves. But for long-term impact, penalties must be meaningful — not just symbolic.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Improving road safety must start at the local level, with national oversight from the Department of Transportation (DoTr). Local government units (LGUs) can likewise help address the problem but they must be empowered and supported to carry out reform backed by training and strict monitoring.
Here are some important recommendations that may he consudered:
- Mandatory defensive driving training. All motorcycle and e-bike riders must complete certified defensive driving courses before using public roads.
- Regulation of electric two-wheelers. Electric motorcycles and scooters must require licenses, registration, insurance and age verification.
- Equal enforcement across all vehicles. Traffic rules must be enforced consistently to end the perception of favoritism or impunity.
- Harsher penalties for serious violations. Penalties should include fines, suspensions and license revocations for offenses like counterflowing and drunk driving.
- Behavior changes through local programs. LGUs should lead road safety programs promoting discipline and accountability, with support and monitoring from national agencies.
THERE’S AN IMBALANCE
To conclude, Chua pointed out that road rage in the Philippines should be comprehended as something that goes beyond congestion. It stems from frustration, selective enforcement and ignorance of traffic laws.
The imbalance between law-abiding drivers and rule-breaking motorcycle riders—especially those unaware of the law—reflects a system under stress that should prioritize public safety over politics and popularity.
The LRTA official stressed that leaders must have the courage to implement hard reforms—even when they are unpopular and only through fair, firm and consistent enforcement will ensure that roads are safe for all Filipinos—motorists and pedestrians alike.