Pasig Traffic

My job is based in Pasig. At the corner of Ortigas Avenue and Meralco, there is this traffic light that appears to be functioning quite well. Yet, for some strange reason, on weekdays, especially during the morning rush hour, the traffic enforcers manning this intersection have found it convenient to override the traffic light and do a manual management of the traffic flow.

I don't question their decision. What I do find annoying is the fact that while these enforcers do their job, the traffic light continues to operate. Being a simple motorist, I find it a little confusing to see the traffic light turn green ;yet, I am not allowed to move as the enforcer signalled me to stay put because he is still trying to manage the traffic flow on the other side.

It's ok, if this will only take, say 10 seconds. The thing is, I stay there at a total stop for about 5-7 minutes, by which time, the traffic light has changed to red, which means I have to stop my vehicle. How can I do that when I have not moved for the last 5-7 minutes?

All in all, I have been at a total stop for about 10-14 minutes. This has happened to me, not only once, but several times. As a result, I have been tagged late for work on many occasions. Presently, I am waiting for my supervisor to hand me my temporary suspension for tardiness issues.

The thing is, if these enforcers will ever do manual traffic, they should first turn off the traffic light hovering their heads. That way, they avoid confusion on the part of motorists.

In driving school, we were taught that if the traffic signal is red, you're supposed to stop; if it's green, then it's go. Yet, on the road, this is not the case. Many traffic enforcers opt to go manual when managing vehicle traffic. Still, they allow the traffic lights to continue operating.

Turning off those lights will also help save electricity. God knows how high electricity rates have become in this country. Doing some form of conservation will surely go a long way. This should not be that hard to do. The main office of Meralco is just a stone's throw away.

Otherwise, these enforcers should just sit in a corner and let the traffic lights do its job. They are functioning, right? So, why tinker with them? They are just making traffic in this part of the city even worse.

I heard that these Pasig-based traffic enforcers are often called 'blue boys' because of the color of their uniforms. In the medical world, a blue boy or a blue baby has negative connotations. Go and find out what it means.