Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma: Systemic reforms. LYN RILLON/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Following the tragic accident of a bus down a ravine in Bontoc, Mountain Province, Malacañang is open to any new legislation regarding road safety.
Herminio Coloma, Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary, said on a media briefing Wednesday afternoon the Palace would welcome any measures that Congress would pass after a Florida bus slid down a ravine killing 14 people.
“If there is a chance that the lawmakers in Congress would pass additional measures on road-worthiness and safety would be most welcome,” Coloma said.
He added President Benigno Aquino III already tasked the Department of Transportation and Communication and its corresponding agencies, the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to enforce already existing laws.
Apart from the road-worthiness of public vehicles, Coloma said another issue to be looked at is the concern on the salaries of bus drivers and conductors.
“One more issue is about the implementation of a fixed salary plus performance-based incentives,” Coloma said.
“We can concur that one of the reasons of road accidents is when drivers speed up their vehicles to make their daily quota,” he added.
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