LTFRB cracks down on ‘kamote’ drivers

MANILA, Philippines — Following the call of President Marcos for motorists to observe patience and discipline to avoid incidents of road rage, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will crack down on reckless public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III yesterday said the agency is committed to removing “kamote” drivers from the road.

“They disregard traffic laws and endanger the safety of passengers and other motorists,” Guadiz said. “This has to stop. These reckless drivers are a threat to public safety. We will take them off the road.”

The LTFRB will work with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and local government units in going after reckless PUV drivers.

Under the LTFRB’s new directive, PUV operators who fail to manage their drivers will face administrative complaints.

“We are auditing PUV operators with repeated traffic violations. We will revoke their franchises if necessary,” Guadiz said.

To bolster the initiative, the LTFRB will deploy additional field inspectors and enhance cooperation with other enforcement agencies.

“Driving a public vehicle is a responsibility. If you are reckless, you’re out because you are endangering people’s lives,” Guadiz said.

The LTFRB also called on the public to help in the crackdown by reporting reckless drivers.

“Public transport must be safe. That’s non-negotiable,” Guadiz said.

Complaints may be reported to hotline 1342 around the clock, or through the LTFRB’s official Facebook page.

Colorum vehicles

Amid the surge of passengers during the Holy Week, the LTO reminded the public to avoid using colorum or illegal vehicles when traveling to the provinces.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and LTO officials yesterday inspected the roadworthiness of buses at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange.

“Operating colorum vehicles is a threat to public safety. These do not undergo proper inspections and are not covered by insurance, making them dangerous options for travelers,” LTO-National Capital Region director Roque Verzosa said. Transport companies operating colorum vehicles face stiffer fines, according to the LTO.

Be proactive vs road rage

To address road rage, the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to be proactive in addressing traffic altercations among motorists.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said road rage is a threat to public safety. He said the police will not tolerate people who endanger the lives of others because of uncontrolled anger.

Instead of recording videos for social media, Marbil encouraged people to help pacify motorists engaged in road rage and report them immediately to authorities. — Alexis Romero, Emmanuel Tupas