YAPPERS...have you ever been stopped by a "cop"?

Question

My family and I went to 'pinas 2 weeks ago. The moment we got out of the vicinity of the airport, a "cop" on a motorcycle followed us and stopped us. He first asked for our driver's driver's license. Then he said he needed to see the vehicle's documents/paperworks. After which he said that the carrier of the mini van isn't registered (we only used the carrier for my baby's stroller as we ran out of space inside the van, buti am aware that the carrier is registered). We then told him that it is registered. He said that it should be written on the paperworks. Our driver said that he knows it won't be written on the paperworks even if it is registered. After that he said we are not paying the right fee for the registration of the said carrier. I thought that was ridiculous! How could we be allowed just a partial payment for registration of such?He just came up with one reason to another and wanted to hold our driver's license and said the driver will just have to get it from their office

and will have to pay at least PhP1000. The driver was already mad, as he knew there was no violation and it was all made up. My brother in law (who doesn't like arguing) then talked to the "cop" and the "cop" asked for PhP1000 and said he'll just let us go. My brother in law tried to negotiate and they ended up agreeing on giving that "cop" some PhP500. Although it wa against my will, I gave PhP500 because I was tired from the 24 hours trip from east coast to Manila. It was very disappointing because I love my home country so much and I was so excited to be back "home", and to my dismay, that was what happened just within an hour of being back "home"...

he was in his uniform but with no name tag on... =(

it was very embarrassing too. my husband said "that was funny! we were robbed by a cop!"

nice one xeneixe1! i could've done that, but i think if you are that tired, you can't even think of that, especially if you have a baby who needs attention =)

anyway, i noticed all of you guys have TDs. somebody must be a TD MANlAC here. lol!

to: pharaoh -> please reread what i said...the top loader/carrier was registered. all the "violations" were made up and i cannot be thankful for something like that. it was a scam. how could a cop say it is not registered and when you proved them it is, he comes up with a "violation" one after the other and then started pricing?

Answer 1

Nope, but I hope I won't be stopped by that kind of cop.
Very corrupt and 'sobrang kapal ng mukha!'! (Very thick skin/face... whatever!) Karma will tell to that kind of people.
<*-*>

Answer 2

that cop was on the right track, on seeing the carrier's (is that the top loader on top of the car)not included in the registration form is a traffic rulings violation. With the fees for the violation, i am not updated. If that was php 1000, be grateful he agreed with php 500, yes, that's extortion, corruption or whatever, but would your driver like to pay for that php 1000 and/or attend several days traffic rulings seminar?
the wrong thing with that cop was his name plate's not visible, he could be a real cop, or some impostor as that area around the airport is a nice hunting ground for this kind of scam and several incidents have been documented and apprehended when reported.
yes, i've been apprehended by cops several times, especially when i was younger as a youthful face is a nice target to scare by them. But if you have the proper documentation and your vehicle has nothing to be noted for, there is nothing to worry. Just don't argue with them when they asked for the license and registration,even with no traffic violation, or else, other cases might be imposed like arrogance,refuse to comply with traffic officers,etc. They can even look inside the vehicle but not search thoroughly if they have no search warrant.And mind you, i'm a muslim and my license shows my name as such but i was never apprehended for that, just some minor inconveniences such as verifying my record, some ridiculous questions, etc when this 9/11 controversies started.But move slowly and always show your hands.
So, nothing to worry about if you have the papers in order, you'll do the same if you were in their shoes. Again, be grateful for some cops that can be "bribed" to get away from some minor violation. They are also afraid of being reported and lose their lifetime career if they made mistakes.

add:so, it was registered, then why were you scared? you should have let him show his ticket, let him put his pen on the form and let him be. They always do that, to frighten you for a deal.If you got some violation, even how minimal, like dirty windshield, dirty plate numbers, they got you. But if you're clean. Let them, it's like poker game, they are afraid too being reported for abuse of authority. The thumbs down for me, lol!

Answer 3

I also got pulled over by a cop a few years back in Alabang when my ex-girlfriend and I began arguing about which movie we would see that day. I decided to pull up by a curb so I could make my point without being distracted, not knowing that our car was parked right beside a golf course where politicians and big-time businessmen frequently play.

Two police motorcycles stopped right in front of us, a cop approached my car so I did the proper thing. I rolled down my windows, turned off the engine and put my hands on the wheel so he can see them clearly. He started to explain to me in a very mean and chin-up manner that they are on the look out for kidnappers, stick-up gangs and other suspicious people, as they were protecting a high value target area. I was very nervous of course and I do not know why but I lied about why I was parked there. I told the cop I was lost. He unholstered his gun before asking me to slowly get my license and show it to him. My ex-girl started crying.

GOOD THING for me my uncle is a city councillor and when the cop saw my license indicating my middle name and citizenship, he started to kiss MY *** and praised my uncle for a job well done.

It all ended up with the cop turning pale-faced apologizing to me and my girl. The policemen knew that this encounter could get to my uncle if he doesn't do anything quick. And guess what... we were escorted by two light-flashing, siren screaming motorcycles to the Alabang Town Center. The cops even ordered the mall security to remove the chains blocking the handicap parking slots next to the mall-entrance so we could park closer. Makes you feel really special entering the mall that way.

I'll never forget that day.

Answer 4

this is where a camera phone is handy.

an mmda personnel stopped us once because we were violating the number coding scheme. ours is a legitimately exempted media vehicle so we show our papers. the first personnel allowed us to go, but not his companion. and mind you, she's NOT even wearing a uniform. and for me, she looks like she has just been from a night of drinking spree. she started "harassing" us for our car papers and documents and whatever so we shot a photo of her and promise her that she will be reported to her superior and might even be in the news for harassment especially since she isn't even dressed. she then shut up and let us go.

Answer 5

Yes. They can try, but I have never allowed myself to be duped by errant cops (or errant anyone).

One time, a cop stopped my car, claiming that we beat the red light. Told him I am not color blind, and can distinguish betwen red and yellow. I stood my ground. He was really just making it up so that the "offender" will offer a bribe. . I got his name, which was covered by some paper stuck in his front packet (obscuring his nameplate). Told him I know it is illegal for his nameplate to be hidden, even if it was hidden accidentally by paper from his pocket. I knew he knew what I was talking about. Then I told him " I can make him very popular". I introduced myself, and told him that his racket was a very good topic for my friend's show on TV (Mike Enriquez's Imbestigador)

He backed out, and even saluted me when I went back to my car.

Answer 6

No but if I do in the near future, I'll make very sure I wear a spy web-cam so that I record those pigs n exposed them 2 the public !

Answer 7

Woah! This is simple and clearly this guy was an idiot. When you say "cop" was he in FULL uniform? If he wasn't you dont have to accept crap from him. Also, when you go to court just show them you have the registration and they will take the ticket off. Simple as that...no fees nothing!

Answer 8

No, intense point protection right here. it is quite creepy - are they the stalker kinds? If my friends ever stopped by using i think of i might want for a hollow to look interior the floor below me.

Answer 9

Nah but then again could you blame him. Its the filipino way to a point right? You should have just asked him his name,unit number and his supervisors name. That in turn probably would have said that you meant business.

Never surrender!

Answer 10

The cop was not a robber. He's probably on Gloria Arroyo's balikbayan welcoming committee. She should have thanked you for your generous donation which would help her underlings buy booze and pulutan.