Jeepney gets its marching orders

If you are in the Philippine capital and meet someone whose eyes are red, think twice about shaking their hand. They could be suffering from what doctors at Makati Medical Centre have nicknamed Manila Red-Eye, a highly infectious disease caused by exposure to the city's increasingly toxic air.

Another problem with Manila Red-Eye is that it can be carried by people who do not show any obvious symptoms. 'We are getting an increasing number of cases,' said Dr Teodoro Galman. 'It started out among jeepney drivers, but what is worrying us is that it seems to be spreading to the general population. Office workers are as much at risk as anyone.' One of the main causes of Manila Red-Eye, say doctors, is the highly toxic tetraethyl lead, a substance added to petrol to enhance its octane value or 'burning quality'.

And one of the chief culprits when it comes to belching tetraethyl lead into the atmosphere is the jeepney - a vehicle that is viewed as symbolic of the fun and frivolity of the Philippines and its people.

This flamboyantly-painted vehicle, derived from United States Army jeeps left behind after World War II, is the Philippines' workhorse. It is used for everything from moving people to hauling coconuts to market.

It has also become an icon-on-wheels. To make sure the jeepney gets noticed - and attracts more fare-paying passengers - owners have given them names like Taurus or Mr Lover Boy, and painted and decorated them with all manner of flashy ornaments, from flags and eagles to religious icons and starburst lights.

But to many this ubiquitous vehicle is no longer a form of mobile art. It is public enemy number one. Newspaper columnists have written angry tirades against the jeepney. Politicians have called for its abolishment. The reason? 'They are filthy, badly-driven jalopies,' said former health minister, Senator Juan Flavier. 'They clog the roads and make the population sick. The problem is, for many people they are the only means of transport they have.' A study by Manila's Environmental Network Centre Inc (ENCI) seems to add fuel to the fire. It shows that 90 per cent of Manila's air pollution is caused by motor vehicles. 'And most of this is from jeepneys and buses,' said ENCI president Ricardo Ramos.