Drivers rally vs. Mabanto

CEBU, Philippines- More than 100 tricycle and jeepney drivers staged a rally yesterday morning in front of the Mandaue City Hall calling for the expulsion of Assistant City Prosecutor Bienvenido Mabanto as vice chairman from the Traffic Management Board.

Aside from seeking Mabanto's ouster, the rallyists aired their opposition to the experimental rerouting being enforced by the Traffic Enforcement and Management (TEAM).

The drivers said under the city ordinance their franchises should be renewed every three years but they were disappointed when Mabanto told them to see him yearly so he can inspect their franchises to see if these are still valid and that they have secured a yearly insurance for their vehicles.

Most of the drivers said on top of the inconvenience of going to his office, Mabanto would lecture them. 

Reporters yesterday sought Mabanto's side but were turned down.

"Media? No way. Human na ko ninyo, oy," Mabanto said.

Mabanto's arrogance is understandable.

Recently, he claimed media had put out stories about him but written in such a way that he was made to look like a villain.