A jeepney driver in Cainta, Rizal has drawn public ire after being caught on video sticking out his tongue at another motorist following a dangerous counterflow maneuver, sparking fresh debate on road discipline and commuter safety.

CAINTA, Rizal — February 5, 2026 — The incident, which quickly went viral on social media, showed the jeepney driver forcing his way into the opposite lane to bypass traffic congestion. Instead of yielding or apologizing, the driver was seen mocking the motorist he inconvenienced by sticking out his tongue, an act that netizens described as “arrogant” and “disrespectful.”

Witnesses said the counterflow caused a brief traffic jam along a busy stretch of Ortigas Avenue Extension, with several vehicles forced to stop to avoid collision. The video was uploaded by a concerned motorist and has since been widely shared, drawing thousands of reactions and comments.

According to reports, the SUV driver who recorded the video did not leave his lane even as the jeepney blocked the road past 8 p.m. In the footage, the jeepney driver can be heard angrily explaining that he switched lanes because he intended to turn into a gasoline station, which was still about 100 meters away.

The situation escalated when the furious jeepney driver returned to confront the SUV driver, hurling insults at him. The SUV driver, however, remained calm and even laughed off the provocation. Eventually, the jeepney driver left and returned to the proper lane.

Local authorities confirmed they are investigating the incident, noting that counterflowing is a traffic violation punishable under existing laws. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has reminded drivers that such reckless behavior not only endangers lives but also contributes to worsening congestion in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Netizens expressed frustration over the driver’s behavior, with many calling for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and accountability for public utility drivers. Transport advocacy groups also weighed in, saying the incident highlights the need for better driver education and stricter monitoring of jeepney operators.

As of press time, the jeepney driver has not been publicly identified, but officials said they are working to trace the operator and vehicle involved. The case has reignited discussions about road discipline in the Philippines, where traffic violations and aggressive driving remain persistent challenges.

This incident underscores the importance of enforcing traffic laws and promoting respect among motorists to ensure safer roads for all.

Road Rage as a Symptom of a Broken Driving Culture

This incident is not just about one reckless jeepney driver. It reflects a wider driving culture in the Philippines where impatience is normalized, rule-breaking is routine, and aggression is treated as an acceptable response to traffic stress.

Road rage often grows in environments where discipline feels optional. Counterflowing, blocking lanes, and provoking other motorists happen because many drivers assume enforcement is weak and consequences are negotiable. The result is a culture where ego competes with safety.

If daily driving has become a test of dominance instead of shared responsibility, how can public roads ever function as spaces built for order rather than conflict?