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Owning a car in the Philippines
I have been reading some opinions of what type of vehicle to get when in the Philippines and associated security concerns.
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“I have found that driving a nice car greatly reduces encounters with the police.
When I was driving my 1968 VW, I dealt with the police about once a month. Since I got my 2001 Honda (two years ago), I have not been stopped once, even though I have done far more driving in the Honda. I have driven all over Angeles, to Porac, Magalang, San Fernando, Subic, and Manila.
I also find that a much larger proportion of fellow motorists are willing to yield to a more expensive vehicle.
My theory is that the Filipinos, including the police, are far less likely to mess with someone who might be able to mess with them. Money means power and influence.”
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Interesting as I always assumed that an expensive car might make you more of a target.
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“Much different treatment by fellow motorists is the other factor. Those failing to yield are Pajeros, Land Cruisers, Patrols, Mercedes, etc. It's clearly a money/power thing, IMHO.”
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I was certainly aware of this phenomenon. There is a hierarchy of cars according to how expensive they are. Those with the most expensive cars assume right of way.
In the Philippines the pedestrian is at the very bottom of this hierarchy. If you are on foot you must always give way to cars regardless of any lights of apparent pedestrian crossing. Filipino’s do not obey traffic rules.
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“A bit of taget hardening is no bad thing, and burglar alarms/immobilisers are useless to a determined thief, so get a big strong visible steering lock. This should encourage any likely scroat to move along and nick the car next to yours. But having said this I've never had a problem . Biggest annoyance may be dumb assholes with supermarket shopping trolleys or who just can't park (beware SUV's) and who put scrapes and dings in your paint.”
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The big strong visible steering lock sound like a good idea depending on the type of car you get. I am however lazy when it comes to the idea of having to put on and remove such a device every time I park.
I know that many Filipinos with nice cars keep a small bucket of loose change. Each time they encounter a beggar at an intersection they will wind the window down and give a small amount. Not out the kindness of their heart but with the knowledge that they are paying the accepted extortion money to avoid having their car scratched.
My plan has been to get a car that will not draw too much attention. Something that does not make you look too rich. I might first buy some sort of inexpensive people mover (we are already 6 and chances are there will be a need to transport others).
Posted: Saturday 27th August 2005, 7:46 PM
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