City ordinance not stopping dispatchers

Traffic authorities arrest nine to 17 dispatchers of public utility vehicles from different places of the city everyday for violating City Ordinance 2108.

The latest batch of dispatchers apprehended by city traffic authorities and charged in court are Mario Manila, Marlon Bargamento, Anecito Languido, Valentin Ponte, Clyde Lechido, Ernesto Arrega, Ric Carampatan, Jither Heribet, and Charlie Obeso.

Apprehended dispatchers usually admit their guilt when their cases reach the courts. Some of them reportedly just pay the corresponding fines while others face the short period of imprisonment, it was learned.

“Dali ra man kaayo na mahuman ang ilang kaso kay inig-arraign pa lang, mangangkon na man na sila nga sad-an. Sagad nila nga silot pamultahon og P3,000 unya priso nga unom ka buwan,” a clerk of court told The FREEMAN.

And while dispatchers are being apprehended, they seem to have grown in number which means that the anti-dispatching ordinance hasn’t stopped them from eking out a living in this manner.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. had asked the policemen in different police stations in the city to strictly implement CO 2108 in their areas of jurisdictions, but until now the ordinance has been poorly implemented.

Parian police, for example, have reportedly failed to act against the illegal activities of dispatchers manning the corner of D. Jakosalem and Colon Streets victimizing drivers bound for Lahug and Talamban.

The revised anti-dispatching ordinance now carries the penalty of imprisonment up to one year and a fine of up to P5,000.

Dispatching is defined as an act of procuring, soliciting, or escorting passengers to any public utility vehicle with or without fees. – Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV