Amnesty for erring PUV drivers pushed

CEBU, Philippines — The Traffic Management Coordination Committee (TMCC) of Cebu City is calling for the implementation of “Balik Karsada Program" which seeks to grant amnesty to erring public utility drivers.

In a resolution, TMCC has endorsed to the office of acting Mayor Raymond Garcia the traffic management body’s initiative that is aimed to provide an avenue for returning and prospective public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

Under the initiative is the condonation of fines for PUV drivers with unpaid obligations with the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO). As a pre-requisite to avail the amnesty, erring drivers must undergo massive traffic and transportation education seminars.

Traffic violators need to be properly educated on the traffic rules before they can be allowed to go back on the road.

The resolution also states that these initiatives will be sustained by introducing the increase of penalties and fines for the succeeding violations after the imposition of amnesty and education roll-out.

According to Councilor Rey Gealon, the "Balik Karsada Program" is a social justice initiative to call back PUV drivers who left the roads for simpler lives in the province due to the pile of hefty fines being collected from them for traffic violations from years past that were left unpaid.

"This is in response to the call of PUV operators who are left with no recourse but to sideline hundreds of PUV units, be they taxis, traditional and modern jeepneys, and buses, for lack of PUV drivers," he said.

According to Gealon, some passengers are desperately looking for transport options amidst the experience of being just stranded by the roadside, especially during peak hours of the day and night.

"Empathizing this sad plight, the directive of the Mayor is to break the impasse pursuant to the "general welfare clause" which would bring about greater good for the greater number," he said. — (FREEMAN)