On December 28, 1992, swarms of religious cultists ran through stalled traffic on major roads in Manila and slashed tires on scores of vehicles, paralyzing traffic in the Philippine capital, and causing frightened drivers to flee and abandon their vehicles. The activist sect, calling itself the Reserved Manpower of the Good Wisdom for All Nations, was convinced that flattening tires was the key to salvation and progress in the country. Cultists distributed handbills informing the public that the tire tactic was "God's way of stopping bad deeds." The handbills promised a new era of equality and social justice, including a daily wage of $30 for everyone in the Philippines, where annual per capita income is about $750. "This is God's order to let out air," said Honora Dimagila, 44, one of those arrested. "Air is from God. This is the solution to the crisis in our country."

[Ed.: Where it reads 'religious cultists,' substitute the word 'legislators.']

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