Erring Talisay drivers fined, issued TOPs

For two days, the Land Transportation Office 7, in cooperation with the Talisay City Traffic Commission (Trafcom), apprehended several drivers of jeepneys, motorcycles-for-hire, and trisikads for various offenses. They were either issued Temporary Operator's Permits or fined.

Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza, who heads the TrafCom, said the violations included false plate numbers, unregistered vehicles, among others.

Trafcom would continue the function even after LTO leaves the city, said Belleza.

However, Belleza admitted that without the help from LTO, TrafCom could not very well enforce ordinances such as those that prohibit illegal parking, among others.

"Ang atong trafcom officers lax kaayo," Belleza said, adding that these are temporary workers who couldn't stay long to learn the ropes well.

"And with their temporary employment, you can't expect them to give their all," Belleza said.

Now you see them, now you don't, he said.

To rectify the error, Belleza would recommend the inclusion in next year's budget of an amount for traffic personnel to establish professionalism in the commission. With the money, traffic people could be trained to handle the job well. - Liv G. Campo