The ‘Commute Challenge’ Proved Nothing

Bayan Muna’s Renato Reyes’ ‘Commute Challenge’ to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo proved nothing. Panelo’s acceptance of the challenge proved nothing. Celebrities’ viral posts commuting proved nothing.

It was an extravagant show-off of public ignorance and a slap to everyday commuters. What will change when personalities ride a jeepney to go to work in lieu of private vehicles? It is unnecessary to display such behavior in front of millions of Filipinos who are going to war every single day just to reach their destinations.

Panelo’s Commute Challenge did not stop the clock. He might not be emphatic and sincere in doing it. He was just forced to do it for two reasons: rebut the political opponent of his boss and justify his unjustifiable remarks about the transport crisis.

The media’s overt sensationalism added insult to injury. They followed Panelo as if it is his first time riding a jeepney and a motorcycle to go to work. They covered the challenge as if it is of national importance.

As for the initiator of Panelo’s challenge, Reyes should stop demanding government officials to ride a public transportation as they go to work to feel the hardships of commuters. Instead, he should call them out for their lack of action, work with them in solving the transport chaos, and input his leftist ideas with legislators’ ideas in order to end the commuters’ ordeal.

It was an extravagant show-off of public ignorance and a slap to everyday commuters.

And for celebrities who are posting Instagram Stories about themselves using the mass transit, they should shut down their phones and use the public services without the presence of social media. They look like fools trying to muster flattery and support for their personal interests, pretending to be one with us.

Please stop the Commute Challenge. Instead, the government should continue to find ways to resolve the transportation crisis once and for all.

The featured image was photographed by Darren Langit/Rappler.