Dispatchers seek to be legalized

CEBU, Philippines -  A couple from barangay Mabolo has requested Cebu City officials to allow them to engage in the dispatching of public vehicles along M.J. Cuenco Avenue despite the existing ordinance that strictly prohibits the activity.

The request of Karl and Ivy Monteverde was discussed by members of the Cebu City Council yesterday. It was referred to the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) for further action.

The Monteverde couple explained that they do not have other means of livelihood, prompting them to engage in dispatching of passengers for public utility vehicles as a way of living.

“Malooy kamo tawon kanamo Sir wala g’yud intawon kami lain nga panginabuhian. Manghatag ra man usab ang mga drayber (Please have pity on us, we don’t have any other means of living),” the couple said in their handwritten letter sent to City Hall.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, who presided over the session yesterday, explained that they could not grant the request of the Monteverde couple because it is contrary to the existing Anti-Dispatching Ordinance that carries a fine of P3,000 for violators.

There was a suggestion to task the City Secretary’s Office to make a letter reply to the couple, but Young said CITOM would be the appropriate office to make the formal communication.

Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard for Public Officials and Employees provides that the concerned government officials must reply to all communications they receive from the public.

Although the City may not grant the request of the couple, the campaign against dispatchers and watch-your-car boys has not been fully implemented by authorities. — (FREEMAN)