Drivers want lesser fines

PUBLIC transport drivers in Iloilo City asked newly-elected officials to reduce fines and penalties on erring drivers.

Nick Dalisay, president of the Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association (ICADA), said they not asking forgiveness for erring drivers.

“What we are asking for are lesser fines and penalties imposed by the city government so that drivers can afford to pay and retrieve their confiscated driver’s license immediately,” Dalisay said.

Dalisay said drivers can hardly afford to pay P300-P500 fine every time they are issued the temporary operator’s permit for violating traffic rules.

The drivers’ daily average take home income is about P300-P500 because they have to pay the jeepney rental for the day and the gasoline expenses, he said.

“If we are fined P500 for the TOP, we will have nothing to bring home and feed our family. I am appealing to the new City council and new city mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog for understanding and compassion of our plight. The drivers can barely afford to send their children to school and provide adequate food for the family,” Dalisay added.

ICADA has more 7,000 members from 21 member associations plying the city routes. The city loop jeepneys have different specific routes and are not allowed to enter areas not specified in their franchise.

He said the drivers are now careful in plying the streets but some are not yet knowledgeable of the new loading and unloading sites, which change often, and the newly opened or closed side streets sans any advisory or signages. (Lydia C. Pendon)