Who goes first -- the presidential convoy or an ambulance?

In 2019, a viral video of the Japanese Emperor's convoy stopping to give right of way to an ambulance made the rounds in automotive media.

Many claimed that the amusing scene would only happen in Japan. How preposterous to expect the highest dignitary in the land to give way to an ambulance carrying one insignificant commoner, right?

Well, right, but also wrong.

It’s true that, in many countries, heads of state and dignitaries take precedence on the road for security reasons. But seeing that does make one wonder: who does actually have the right of way? 

Under Republic Act 4136 of the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code," an emergency vehicle on official business and using its sirens must be given the right of way. There are supposed to be no exceptions to this rule.

So what about the Philippines? To put it simply, we’re a country where only the elite get right of way.

It doesn’t matter if you're dying, your house is on fire or if your loved one needs urgent medical attention -- a big-shot businessman with several politician friends will not yield to you in his or her convoy of armored Toyota Land Cruisers and escort cars.

But let’s put on our rose-colored glasses, if only for a minute.

The rule states that all vehicles must yield to emergency vehicles. Would this include the convoy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.? 

The Internet will likely say no -- a president outweighs the life of one person. But in fact, the presidential convoy must also give way.

Again, we’re wearing our rose-colored glasses right now -- this includes a world where politicians aren't lording it over the rest of us.

If people need medical attention and are getting it in an ambulance, then politicians must stop. In fact, they must give up the police escorts they have to clear traffic for the ambulance.

Newly elected Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim did just that on December 2022 by allowing an ambulance to join his convoy as he drove through rush-hour traffic.

Netizens quickly lauded the premier for allowing this, especially in light of Malaysia's continuing controversy with VIP convoys blocking ambulances.

In more advanced countries, law enforcement officers and emergency medical technicians all operate on the same channels, so coordinating routes and drivers is regularly done.

A simple callout from an all-seeing dispatcher can reroute a firefighting vehicle away from the route of a politician or dignitary, so that they never have to see each other.

But at the same time, operating on the same channel means that they can also coordinate so that, should they have to cross paths, the emergency vehicle can pass through first. 

Wouldn't that be nice?

AutoFun Philippines Senior Writer VJ Bacungan contributed to this report.