Starting 2012: PUV drivers need to undergo assessment

CEBU, Philippines - Starting next year, all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will be required to undergo assessment certification before they can drive.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board -7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said all drivers must obtain an assessment certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which project aimed at improving the safety of PUVs.

Cuizon said the new policy is in compliance with Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Memorandum No. 2011-25, which says that drivers must get the certification from TESDA first before they can operate.

TESDA and the (LTFRB) recently signed a memorandum of agreement to undertake the assessment and certification of the country’s PUV drivers jointly.

Under the agreement, LTFRB is tasked to issue an announcement for all PUV operators to require their drivers to secure a Driving National Certificate III from TESDA.

TESDA, after consultation with LTFRB and sector representatives, will identify and accredit assessment centers and assessors that can assess drivers to determine if they are qualified for a National Certificate.

Upon recommendation of LTFRB, TESDA may also cancel or revoke the certificate if the driver commits violations or acts resulting to serious injury, loss of life or damage to property or the environment.

TESDA will maintain an online registry of PUV drivers who were issued certification, as well as those certificates who have been revoked or cancelled.

The need to have the drivers certified by TESDA was raised early this year following the spate of road tragedies that killed dozens of passengers.

“We will implement this by the first quarter of 2012,” Cuizon said, adding that the TESDA may revoke or cancel the certificate if the driver has committed serious violations or acts resulting to serious injury, loss of life or damage to property or the environment.

Citing on DOTC statistics, Cuizon said that at least 85 to 90 percent of road accidents in the country are driver related. – (FREEMAN)