Isko Moreno to erring jeepney drivers: Manila means business
MANILA, Philippines – Suspending the Divisoria-Baclaran public utility jeepney route is a “long-lasting cure”, and proof that the city government is bent on assuring the safety and comfort of commuters, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno stressed Wednesday.
Despite receiving flak from both jeepney drivers and commuters, Moreno pointed out that the pending suspension of the route would eliminate some jeepney drivers’ bad habit of trip cutting.
He added that the suspension may only last a day or two.
“Ang puno’t dulo naman niyan, yung mga dalawang araw tatlong araw na suspindido sila e habang buhay na cure naman doon sa masamang habit because mukhang feeling talaga nitong mga ito talagang kaya nilang tolongges-in ang Maynila eh (The 2-3-day suspension will be a long lasting cure to the bad habit of trip-cutting, because some drivers think they can mess or fool around with the city government),” Moreno said in an interview with dzMM.
“We’re trying to put order and I think the best way to do it is to really call their attention in such a way that you hurt them so much para maramdaman naman nila na totoo ang pamahalaan (We want to make them feel that the city government means business),” he added.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Moreno said that the local government of Manila will ask the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the Baclaran-Divisoria jeepney route due to numerous reports of trip-cutting.
READ: Manila to bat for suspension of Divisoria-Baclaran PUJ route
The announcement drew opposition and criticisms from commuters and jeepney drivers and operators.
“Ipakikisuyo ko sainyo.. Eh halimbawa masuspinde sila ng isang araw, masuspindi sila ng dalawang araw, I really wanted to get their attention that he city government is serious in protecting the riding public,” he said.
“Makikisuyo lang ako, konting patawad. Magkakaroon tayo ng konting sakripisyo, marere-align yung byahe natin, ibig sabihin imbis na dire-diretso, may iba naman na mga sakayan,” he added.
Even before he assumed the post as Manila mayor, Moreno has already warned jeepney drivers to ditch trip cutting or suffer the consequences. /gsg
