Professional drivers to undergo mandatory exam

MANILA, Philippines - To keep roads safe, professional drivers or drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) – including those employed by companies – will have to undergo mandatory qualifying examinations.

The requirement will be a key provision in the proposed Traffic Crisis Act and the possible grant by the House committee on transportation of emergency powers to President Duterte.

Reps. Gus Tambunting, Alfred Vargas and Winnie Castelo and House Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu said it’s time for the government to address the problems brought about by unqualified and abusive PUV drivers.

Accidents and traffic congestion are mostly caused by undisciplined drivers.

Under the proposed setup, professional drivers will have to undergo mandatory written and practical examinations for free.

The removal of old and dilapidated vehicles from the streets may be included in the President’s emergency powers and the

Land Transportation Office will test the roadworthiness of all public vehicles.

“We have to crack the whip on these erring drivers, many of whom we suspect can hardly understand traffic symbols and have been lording it over our main thoroughfares, endangering the lives of the public,” Vargas said.

Castelo, chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development, said the traffic situation has been affecting the people’s economic activity and has become a national crisis that needs immediate and long-term solutions.

Abu said the issue of public safety is being taken lightly by the continued presence of old and dilapidated vehicles on the road.

“We have to guarantee that only roadworthy vehicles can ply the roads and only qualified drivers are permitted to drive,” he said.

Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on games and amusement, said issues concerning drivers’ competency and vehicle’s roadworthiness should be prioritized under the proposed measure.