Wednesday, November 28, 2001
LICENSE TO SHOW
Technically, you don't need a driver's license to drive.
Been talking to a foreign-born policy maker at the Asian Development Bank who's been in the Philippines and driving around here for the past 18 years. And he gave me an interesting tidbit about Philippine law the other day.
Apparently, according to the exact letter of the law here in the country, you don't TECHNICALLY need to have your license with you when you drive. As long as you are able to show it to the authorities-- even if it is at a later date-- then you're okay. But of course we bring it around anyway when we drive because it generally is more convenient when you're caught doing something illegal. Like say, swerving at the Ortigas-EDSA overpass.
Thing is: technically, you don't have to have it with you as you drive. It's just more of a hassle to have to go to the station at a later date to show the police your license. (Just don't take my word on it, please. Read the law yourselves.)
The kicker? My acquaintance at ADB makes it a habit to not have his license with him when he drives. Ergo, nothing for the police to confiscate if in a tight spot.
Technically, you don't need a driver's license to drive.
Been talking to a foreign-born policy maker at the Asian Development Bank who's been in the Philippines and driving around here for the past 18 years. And he gave me an interesting tidbit about Philippine law the other day.
Apparently, according to the exact letter of the law here in the country, you don't TECHNICALLY need to have your license with you when you drive. As long as you are able to show it to the authorities-- even if it is at a later date-- then you're okay. But of course we bring it around anyway when we drive because it generally is more convenient when you're caught doing something illegal. Like say, swerving at the Ortigas-EDSA overpass.
Thing is: technically, you don't have to have it with you as you drive. It's just more of a hassle to have to go to the station at a later date to show the police your license. (Just don't take my word on it, please. Read the law yourselves.)
The kicker? My acquaintance at ADB makes it a habit to not have his license with him when he drives. Ergo, nothing for the police to confiscate if in a tight spot.
