By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to implement reforms in the country’s transport sector as he lamented the deaths of several individuals in the recent tragedies at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) toll plaza and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
In a video message posted on his official Facebook page, the President directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to identify and hold accountable those responsible for both incidents. Also, to implement necessary reforms “to prevent further loss of life.”
Thorough review of the driver licensing process were among the directives of the Chief Executive to the DOTr to ensure that only “fit, capable, and responsible” drivers shall be licensed; further, a nationwide audit of bus operators shall be conducted to ensure compliance with safety and maintenance standards.
Meanwhile, President Marcos instructed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to “crack down on unsafe and exploitative practices” in the transport sector, such as “driver fatigue, long hours, and pressure to meet quotas” to prevent road incidents that could endanger lives.
“Ten lives were lost in a devastating collision in Tarlac. Days later, two more—one of them a child—were taken in a tragic accident at the airport. These incidents should never have happened,” the President said.
“We will make the changes that need to be made. We will demand accountability where it is due. And we will build a transport system that truly protects Filipino people,” he added.
‘Fixing the broken system’
In a separate statement, DOTr Sec. Vince Dizon assured that justice would be served for the victims of the recent tragedies, also to make roads safer for Filipinos by “fixing” the country’s broken transport system.
Dizon enumerated several road safety initiatives that the agency would strictly enforce, including regular and mandatory drug testing for public utility vehicles (PUV) drivers, reduction of driving hours for bus drivers from six to four hours, and road safety checking for all vehicles.
The Transportation chief also ordered immediate implementation of the speed limiter law and a 90-day suspension for abusive motorists reported online by netizens.
“From the President himself, we must get these families justice and the justice that they deserve. Kung akala ninyo nagbibiro kami, nagkakamali kayo. Seseryosohin at totohanin na natin ito,” Dizon said.
“Wala na ‘yong dating sistema because obviously the system is broken. Buhay ito eh. Lives are at stake. We need to make the people feel safe on our roads again,” he added.
—jpv
