Motorists in the Philippine capital of Manila and nearby cities, beware. The chief of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the agency tasked to handle traffic situation in Manila, is proposing to arm traffic enforces with hatchets "so they would be effective in apprehending traffic violators."

But the Presidential Palace immediately rejected the proposal of MMDA chief Bayani Fernando saying arming traffic enforces with bladed weapons was not necessary to effectively manage traffic flows.

Several sectors have questioned the plan, particularly the Commission on Human Rights, warning that arming traffic enforces with hatchets might trigger violence between the enforcer and the motorists.

The Philippine National Police also cited that traffic enforcers might be violating the law against carrying bladed weapons if the plan is pushed through.

However, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there is no need to reprimand Fernando for pushing such a "threatening plan."

"I don't think the good chairman should be admonished for that, public service is in his heart. He has no bad intention, really," Ermita said.

Fernando announced the plan early this week saying MMDA traffic enforcers do not get respect from motorists.