Cortes warns abusive tricycle drivers

CEBU, Philippines — Tricycle drivers in Mandaue City who indulge in high fares and not following the “one passenger” policy will be arrested and fined.

In a Facebook post, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes ordered the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) to conduct random checkpoints and inspections on all tricycle routes in the city starting yesterday.

This after he received several complaints concerning tricycle drivers who no longer follow the “one passenger” policy as one of the health protocols imposed in the fight against COVID-19.

More than that, Cortes said tricycle drivers collect the same amount of P25 fare even though they carry more than one passenger.

“Para kanako usa kini ka klase sa pagpangabuso sa atoang mga sumasakay ug mga pasahero nga nanginabuhi ra pud intawon ug naningkamot man gani nga dili mataptan sa maong sakit nga COVID-19,” the mayor said.

With this, Cortes ordered the TEAM to apprehend and fine tricycle drivers who do not follow the policy and could possibly impound colorum tricycles.

Cortes said he understands that drivers are doing this for a living but also stressed that doing such thing cannot be used as an excuse to abuse passengers.

“Kung mahinumduman, maong gi-umentuhan ang pletehan sa tricycle, kay aron sarang makabawi-bawi ang mga driver nunot aning ‘one passenger policy’. Kini nga palisiya atoa ning gibuhat subay sa social distancing protocol kay sa normal nga panahon sikit ug duol kaayo sa usag usa ang mga pasahero sa tricycle... risgo kaayo sa takod sa COVID-19,” he said.

Cortes reminded the public that the fight against the pandemic entails the coordination of everyone stressing that this is not the time for being self-centered. — GMR (FREEMAN)