FEB.

26, 2014

NR # 3389

Solon seeks posting of information about drivers inside PUVs for safety of riding public
Public commuters may soon have access to information about the drivers and operators of the public utility vehicles (PUVs), which could enhance their safety and protection. Rep. Lorna Q. Velasco (Party list, !"!) has proposed the mandatory postin# and installation of laminated display cards bearin# essential information about the driver, operator and vehicle inside all PUVs. $%he information will certainly empower the passen#ers and will ease the process of reportin# abuses and crimes committed a#ainst them by errin# public transport operators and&or their a#ents,' Velasco said. %he party list solon said the importance and necessity of safe transportation nationwide cannot be overemphasi(ed. )owever, this is bein# undermined by an alarmin# number of crimes and abuses perpetrated a#ainst the ridin# public. $*t is a lamentable fact that in some cases the driver himself&herself is involved in the commission of these crimes. !lso, a number of PUVs are bein# used as instruments to commit unlawful acts on a daily basis,' Velasco said. )ouse +ill ,-.- provides that all operators and drivers of PUVs, without e/ception, shall be re0uired to produce or ac0uire a laminated display card containin# all necessary information and to post or display it conspicuously inside the PUV, visible and readable to all passen#ers thereof. *t further states that the laminated display card shall include the complete name and contact number of driver, driver1s picture, driver1s license number and date of e/piration as well as the complete name of and contact number of operator or owner. %he display card shall also include the plate number of PUV, body number of PUV (whenever applicable), certificate of public convenience license number, authori(ed route as reflected in PUVs certificate of public convenience and the Land %ransportation 2ranchisin# and Re#ulatory +oard, hotline&contact number. Under the measure, it shall be the responsibility of the operators and drivers of PUVs to 3eep the information displayed&reflected on the laminated cards updated and accurate at all times. *t is unlawful for any PUV driver or operator to operate without the re0uired laminated display card and unlawful as well if such laminated display card contains false information or is posted in a place within the PUV not visible&readable for all passen#ers of sub4ect PUV. Violators of this shall be meted the penalty and fines of not more than P56,666 for the first offense and not more than P76,666 and suspension of the PUV1s franchise and driver1s license for the second offense. (,6) mvip