FENDER BENDER, MMDA, What more can you ask for?

Just this morning I got up a little too late compared to what I was used to. This is my second morning alone since my wife left for a one-week training in Malaysia. It was disappointing because I planned of reporting for work early today to make up for my absences but watching a reality show late last night and sleeping late the other night ruined it all.

I encountered the same usual traffic in EDSA near Taft Ave. today since a bridge is under construction for centuries now (1 century = 1 month). This traffic has really got in to my nerves and became a pain in the ass too. To add to this daily misfortune, I saw a car and a bus collided just in front of me while trying my best effort to traverse the traffic. I was stunned as if I was the one hit by the bus. They were both in front of me so I thought of backing up immediately and ignore them because I am getting late for work already. Being all disturbed by the scenario and forgetting common sense of looking at the rear mirror first before backing up, I did not notice that there was a jeep at my back that was really close. I guess a sound of collision will really wake up my common senses. And so it happened! I was the second car who met an accident after seeing another accident before me [what a good entry for Wow Mali! or America’s Funniest]. I know it was my fault so I got down and inspect if I have inflicted damage on the full metal bumpers of the jeep and settle charges if there’s any. I was delighted to find out that the jeep’s bumpers were newly welded and seemed so sturdy (no more charges from the jeep) and I was so gloomy to see my poor fender with new rustic designs created by the welded metal. I reaffirmed that everything’s ok with the jeepney driver on his side and I went back the car at once so as not to prolong the indignity that I suffered. [Just a little history, my first car collision/accident is also a fender bender situation on a gasoline station parking area. Yes, you heard it right, a parking area, where there is very very slight traffic or none at all. The cause would be the same – not looking at the rear mirror while quickly backing up.]

And so, I went on with the traffic and contact my wife to find some comfort. I put her on speaker phone to have a good grip of my driving while talking to her. It was not long after when an MMDA caught my attention and wants me to pull over. My wind shield is not tinted at all so I got the idea of what my violation is already. I am used to speeding and driving off the MMDAs when I know that they have no motorbikes with them. This time, no motorbike, but I was not in the right mood to just speed off. I surrendered my license while they were lecturing about the hazards of using your phone while driving. They also demanded an explanation why my 2005 sticker is not on my plate even though I was registered. I clarified myself humbly and I pleaded that I just went through an accident minutes ago. I am willing to bribe them though, since I admit that I was caught red handed and the cost of that violation is only 200 Pesos. Another problem pops in as I have no more cash in my wallet! Meaning to say that if they get my license, I have to go to their office and absent myself from work again (which I committed just last week for a job interview). This couldn’t possibly be happening! After another argument of why not to get my license, they finally decided to beg me off. Haaaaaay. And then again, I had no time to celebrate because I’m still wondering where and when to get the paint job for the fender and I am late for work AGAIN as always.