Unruly PU drivers should feel the pain, says MMDA chief

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. dismissed the complaints of public utility (PU) drivers belonging to two major transport groups about the proposed hike in traffic violation fines.

Abalos defended his position by saying that the unruly PU drivers and traffic violators should "feel the pain" for their folly which could partly be addressed with the hiking of the minimum fines.

Under the proposal, the minimum fine that could be imposed for a traffic violation would be raised from P150 to P500.

The transport groups led by the Intergrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) assailed the plan of Abalos, calling it anti-poor and pro-corruption.

Both groups felt that their ranks would be the most affected by the proposal because they rely primarily on driving to support their livelihood. But officials of the two groups did not say if their members are the most undisciplined drivers in Metro Manila.

Aside from arguing that the fine is too high, the transport groups also criticized Abalos for the timing of the proposal considering that he had just instituted another traffic rule that would drastically affect their livelihood.

It would be recalled that Abalos announced a couple of weeks ago that the MMDA would start to recommend the revocation of licenses of drivers who incur three violations.

After revocation, the licenses could only be renewed after one year.

Abalos stressed that he would not allow the roads of Metro Manila to become chaotic with the proliferation of undisciplined drivers.

On the concerns of the transport groups, Abalos urged them to file their complaints at the concerned MMDA offices or directly to his office.

Abalos explained that the intention is to instill discipline in motorists, pedestrians and vendors. He pointed out that they are not cowed by apprehensions for such violations as jaywalking and obstruction because they easily get off by paying the minimal fines.

In any case, the proposed ordinance has to go through the Metro Manila Mayors Council for approval after which it would have to be adopted by the respective local government councils for implementation.

"We should instill discipline in all of us. Let’s make a difference in Metro Manila," Abalos said.