BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – In light of a recent road incident that killed a call center agent in this city, the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperative and Corporations (WVATCC) is pushing for the drug testing of mini-bus drivers.
Rizal Alido, president of WVATCC, said they are advocating for this measure to ensure the safety of both passengers and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, Western Visayas Transport Cooperative chair Boyet Parcon acknowledges the proposition.
He emphasized that they cannot allow vehicles to operate if it is discovered that the driver is under the influence of illegal drugs.
Both transport leaders also support the Iloilo City government’s plan to conduct re-training for mini-bus drivers.
Parcon further stated that just before Mayor Jerry Trenas’ recently released statement, they had completed training and team building activities for their drivers.
On Wednesday morning, March 20,Hermie Cala, a 55-year-old resident of Alimodian, Iloilo, was hit by a mini-bus in Barangay Airport, Madurriao district.
“I condole with the family with the assurance that the city government will help,” Treñas said.
The city mayor added that drivers of mini-buses will have to undergo re-training on traffic discipline by the Land Transportation Office and Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit to avoid similar incidents in the future.
On its part, the Iloilo Business Park issued a stern reminder to all motorists to always abide by traffic rules while inside their premises for the safety of commuters.
“Iloilo Business Park is implementing additional measures to ensure the safety of our pedestrians,” its statement read, adding that the management is in close coordination with the city government on the proposed plan to deputize its traffic marshals to apprehend traffic violators in the township./PN
