CEBU, Philippines - Most of the drivers of JD Rent-a-Car — the owner of the bus that fell into a ravine in Cansomoroy, Balamban that claimed the lives of 21 persons, including 20 Iranians – failed the driver’s test given by the LTO.
Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 regional director Raul Aguilos announced yesterday that of the 31 drivers, who underwent a seminar and later took the written examination last Friday, only nine of them passed.
Aguilos said the 22 drivers who failed the test will be required to undergo another seminar for them to know the proper driving rules and to familiarize them with the important provisions of Republic Act 4136 or the Transportation and Traffic Code.
According to Aguilos the questions raised in that written examination can be easily answered if the concerned drivers just followed the lecturer during the seminar that lasted a few hours and if they were able to review the provisions of the transportation law.
In another test, all 31 drivers also came out negative. This was the drug test that was conducted on them.
Aguilos said the LTO will not recommend for the lifting of the suspension of the vehicles’ franchise if not all of the company drivers will pass the written examination.
The licenses of the 22 drivers, who failed the written examination, were not confiscated by the LTO, meaning they can still drive another vehicle if they want.
Aguilos explained that they could not confiscate the licenses of said drivers, because they were not involved in any traffic-related accidents.
The LTO-7 director is planning to formally request the operators of various companies that own public utility vehicles (PUV), particularly jeepneys and taxis, to make a program to require their drivers to attend seminars and examination to determine their knowledge about driving.
KUDOS TO THE RESCUERS
The Cebu City council wants to recognize the “exemplary” efforts of those who quickly responded to the recent bus tragedy.
In a resolution proposed by Councilor Edgardo Labella, he said that it is but proper to laud and commend the civilians and mountaineer volunteers, who first responded to the tragedy which shows the Filipino traits of Bayanihan and Boluntarismo.
It should be noted that rescuers immediately trooped to the area when the accident occurred though it involved foreigners.
Worthy of recognition are Elmer Navaja, Macias Pacquiao along with mountaineer volunteers, who first rushed to the site to help the victims.
To be recognized also are the rescuers from Balamban including public officials, the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) and Bureau of Fire Protection, and Tsuneishi Heavy Industries rescuers, who did not leave the site until retrieval operations were completed.
The Philippine Air Force assisted in transporting the casualties and survivors to Cebu City while several military and police officials in the region oversaw the rescue efforts and provided the needs of the rescuers.
BILLBOARD
Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador will meet with government officials this week to get inputs on his plan to erect a billboard along Transcentral Highway reminding the drivers to do a check of their vehicles.
He intends to put up the huge billboard in barangay Pung-ol Sibugay.
Comendador is set to meet with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways, LTO, Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board, City Traffic Operations Management, and the PNP Highway Patrol Group. — with Jessica Ann R. Pareja and Niña G. Sumacot/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)