Errant drivers can opt for retraining — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will begin its crackdown on Monday on more than 2,500 drivers suspended by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for repeat traffic violations.

But the drivers can undergo retraining so they can go behind wheel again or reapply for a license for as long as they “show they can change,” MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia told reporters on Tuesday.

Officials sent mixed signals on how to punish the drivers, apparently realizing that keeping them out of the road won’t solve the problem.

Concerned bus operators admitted that around 40 percent of their bus fleets aren’t even on the road because they don’t have enough drivers.

“There’s really a scarcity of drivers and conductors and we don’t know why. We’re doing our best to produce decent drivers (through driving trainings and seminars provided by the company) because (the operators) also suffer when our drivers get into accidents,” said Audie Secerio, general manager of Pamana Transport.

—Krixia Subingsubing