Stiffer fines mulled against overloading

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito is eyeing stiffer penalties for overloading of vehicles after an overloaded bus plunged into a 100-meter deep ravine in Nueva Ecija last week, killing at least 32 people.

Ejercito, vice chairman of the Senate committee on public services, said there is a need to revisit and amend the “outdated” Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which was enacted in 1964.  He said the law only penalizes overloading with a fine of up to P3,000 and suspension of the certificate of public convenience.

The senator said the law’s corresponding terms and conditions issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) did not provide for a penalty, which corresponds to the possible damage to its passengers.

"What we need are stiffer penalties for overloading. Right now, our law only prescribes for P2,000 and P3,000 and suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience for 1st and 2nd offense, respectively," Ejercito said in a statement.

 He said the recent bus accident was so tragic that major steps should be taken to revamp the regulations on land transportation.

He said the Senate would take steps to ensure that accidents like these are curbed and prevented from happening again.

Sought for comments, Cebu’s transport groups have expressed differing stands about the proposal.

Greg Perez, coordinator of Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Drivers Nationwide (PISTON)-Cebu, said increasing the penalty does not guarantee minimal road accidents.  He said the government should instead focus on improving the roads as well as the health of the drivers.

Metudio Belarmino, consultant of the Alyansa sa Nagkahiusang Draybers ug Operators Alang sa Reporma (ANDAR), said the proposal is not a need, but instead strict implementation of the existing transportation laws must be observed.

ANDAR President Arman de Gracia, however, is backing Ejercito’s proposal.

Gracia said he favors the proposal, including the suspension of the operator’s franchise and the revocation of the driver’s license.

"It is always a no-no (overloading) sa public transport. Aside from higher fines, the drivers’ licenses may be suspended or revoked, depending on the frequency,” said Ryan Benjamin Yu, general manager of the Cebu Integrated Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CITRASCO).  (FREEMAN)