DOLE sees fewer road accidents

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees safer roads and fewer vehicular accidents as more bus companies are expected to comply with the payment of fixed wages and other labor standards.

Teresita Cucueco, of the DOLE’s bureau of working conditions, said bus firms must comply with  Department Order No. 118-12 on the employment of drivers and conductors, or their permit to operate would be revoked.

“They will not be issued certificates of no pending case from the DOLE,” Cucueco said.

She said the certification of no pending case from the DOLE is required before the bus firm’s permit  is renewed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

According to Cucueco, the requirement can now be implemented following the Supreme Court  resolution upholding the DOLE order.

The DOLE is set to issue an advisory reminding its regional offices to implement the order, which also provides payment of fixed and performance-based salaries to bus drivers and conductors.

Cucueco noted that the order ensures income security for the bus drivers and conductors and improves the working conditions in the bus transport sector.

Under the order, bus drivers and conductors should receive fixed salaries not lower than the applicable minimum wage.

The performance-based wage component considers business performance, which includes revenue and safety records.

Last month, the high court junked the petition of a group of bus operators questioning the DOLE order.