Pinoy ‘Diskarte’? 8 Common Practices That Are *Actually* Straight Up Crimes

Ah, Pinoy diskarte – the quirky, inventive way Filipinos tackle problems. It’s all about using creativity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to get by. But sometimes, this diskarte crosses the line, leaving us wanting to alert the cops. This recent Reddit thread had Pinoys discussing common – sometimes normalized – “diskarte” practices that are actually criminal offenses. 

Shady repairs

When your trusty laptop or phone gets slightly banged up, most people immediately send it to repair shops, so they can be as good as new again. However, some hesitate, fearing that the original parts might be swapped out for something similar but not quite up to snuff. 

Sneaky scalpers

If you can’t get concert tickets for your favorite artist, scalpers probably have them in stash. Scalping culture is so rampant in the PH that it’s almost become a tradition. Those scalpers thrive on robbing people of opportunities to watch a once-in-a-lifetime concert. And their excuse? They do it because there are people who are willing to buy their overpriced tickets.

The curious case of missing tissue rolls

Now, listen. We get it, okay? Times are tough, and people won’t hold back when channeling their inner frugal guru. But don’t do it at the expense of others. Your officemates need to use toilet paper, too!

Overcharging if you look rich/foreign

People who take advantage of others every chance they get don’t deserve support. Take, for instance, the tourists jetting off to the Philippines. They may have incredible vacation experiences to share, but they’ve likely encountered their fair share of unpleasant ones as well. Whether it’s a vendor selling overpriced goods or a tour guide exploiting their lack of local knowledge, these things can spoil an otherwise exciting adventure.

C is for chicken with water

It’s crazy how some business owners could have built a loyal clientele if it weren’t for their shady shenanigans. Case in point: wet market vendors who inject water into their chicken meat to make it look bigger. 

Wanted: unpaid debt

Some of today’s best scams come in friendly faces who vanish into thin air when it’s time to pay their debt. Rumor has it they love to say “bayaran ko na lang bukas” like a magic spell until the debt is forgotten. 

When the fare is unfair

Braving Metro Manila’s progressive chaos feels like a pipe dream when you’re confronted by increasing fares. The so-called “special fares” on tricycles aren’t helping because they only seem to add confusion.

Driving on sidewalks

Imagine this: you’re enjoying a peaceful stroll on the sidewalk when your serenity is shattered by the blaring honk of a speeding motorcycle. That’s a quick way to ruin someone’s day, or worse, send them to the ER for causing accidents. Remember, sidewalks are for pedestrians, full stop! 

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