"Zero accident" eyed for holidays

CEBU, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office-7 has started inspecting buses and minibuses to ensure the safety of commuters during the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

LTO-7 Director Arnel Tancinco said the inspection started last week and has, so far, found minor violations such as defective wiper, headlights, among others.

"During our inspections, operators were told to fix the defects and if they will be caught during the holidays nga wa gihapon nila gi-ayo kung unsa man gani ang guba, we will apprehend the unit or pamultahon gyud sila," said Tancinco.

Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association, said they are committed to help achieve a "zero accident" holidays.

"Commitment na namo nga zero accidents mi aning mga panahuna," said Flores, who is also the president of the Cebu South Minibus Operators Association.

Tancinco is expecting that by Thursday, passengers at the various terminals will start to buildup and urged passengers to approach the public assistance desks in case they have complaints. Flores encouraged the passengers to travel early.

"Mas maayo nga kadto wa nay trabaho mo uli na sa Huwebes or Biernes pa lang para di magdasok ang pasahero inig Sabado og Domingo," Flores suggested.

He said Cebu has over 500 buses and minibuses enough to cater the bulk of passengers going home to their respective towns.

"Sakto ra man ang atong mga buses, pero og magtipun-og ang tanang pasahero inig Sabado ug Domingo, mao na'ng medyo magkuwang sa bus," Flores explained.

Romeo Armamento, national vice president of the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union in Central Visayas, said they also have committed to LTO-7 to help ensure road safety.

"Kami na mismo, we will police our own rank. Kadtong mga sakop namo nga ang ilang mga sakyanan naay depekto, amoa na sila gipasabot nga ayuhon gyud para walay dakop," Armamento said.

NCTU-CV has over 2,000 members. – /FPL (FREEMAN)