ILOILO CITY — “Barkers” may soon be partnering with the city government here in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, adherence to parking rules, and orderly and organized passenger loading.
Jeck Conlu, head of the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), on Tuesday met with barkers operating at the City Proper District for a consultation as he plans to submit a recommendation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod to amend the “Anti-Barker Ordinance of the City of Iloilo”.
The ordinance defines a barker as “an individual or person who calls for, facilitates, induces or convinces commuters to board a particular or preferred public utility vehicle for the purpose of extracting an amount from the driver”.
Under the same ordinance, those caught performing as a barker shall be held criminally liable and shall be immediately apprehended and detained. If found guilty, the barker shall suffer imprisonment of not less than three months but not more than six months at the discretion of the court.
Conlu said that it would be better to amend the ordinance and give them accreditation as one way of helping them. They could help the city if given proper training so they can respond during traffic congestion in their area.
Among their supposed tasks would be to facilitate proper parking and to assist for an orderly and organized queue of passengers at the loading area.
Conlu said they intend to conduct an experiment at the capitol area.
“In one way or another, this can help them,” he said. He added that authorities also seek help from barkers should they need information if a crime or illegal activities happen in their area.
“We will help them because they can help the city,” he added.
However, he emphasized that not all can be given accreditation. They have to be recommended by a transport group.
Conlu said that in 2014, in an effort to help the barkers, the city government provided them with cash assistance. He said he will check whatever happened to the assistance.
Conlu said he will be submitting his recommendation to the city council this month as he hoped to execute the plan within the year.
Meantime, while the ordinance is not yet amended, Conlu said that the city government will have it strictly implemented. (Perla Lena/PNA)
