Dashcams for PUJs given out

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Transportation Office (CTTO) started distributing 1,000 free dashboard cameras or dashcams to Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers as a way to deter crimes and provide more security in Cebu City.

As of yesterday at least 145 dashcams have been distributed to PUJ drivers who already installed them in their vehicles.

The installation of dashcams --that can record of what is happening in front of the vehicle as well as inside it-- is seen to protect both drivers and passengers and deter crimes.

“Og sa mga pasahero nga musabay wala na g’yud kunoy mo-attempt ug binuang kay recorded naman tanan. Dako g’yud ug kalipay sa mga drivers kay in case makadasmag sila nga dili na angay lalisan kay makita naman ang actual,” said CCTO Chief Francisco Ouano.

The distribution is scheduled from June 10 to June 28, 2019 to drivers of PUJs that are plying routes in Cebu City. To receive a dashcam, a PUJ driver should submit a photocopy of his driver’s license, official receipt, and a photocopy of the franchise and confirmation. Once he has received the dashcam, it will become his responsibility. If the dashcam has defects, drivers can go to the CCTO for a replacement as long as it is still under the warranty period. However, Ouano said if they take good care of the dashcams, they will last a long time.

The distribution of free dashboard cameras was promised by Mayor Tomas Osmeña who said he wants to make Cebu City more secure at all times. The city government allotted P5 million for the procurement of the 1,000 dashcams in 2018.

There are an estimated 1,000 PUJs playing different routes in Cebu City. — Joan C. Carbajosa (FREEMAN)