Gov’t inspection of Metro bus terminals starts

MANILA, Philippines—In a bid to determine the actual working conditions of bus drivers, conductors and mechanics, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority kicked off its rounds of inspection on Friday on four major bus terminals in Quezon City.

Representatives from the MMDA, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board initially visited Rainbow Express Bus Company, Ma-Fel Transit, Safeway Bus Line Inc. and Original Transport Company, while about 600 terminals more are in line in its month-long inspection.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino and DOLE legal officer Benjo Benavidez led the interviews on bus management and surveyed the employees’ working hours, salaries and benefits.

Tolentino said that the results of the inspection will shape the debate on whether drivers and conductors should get fixed monthly salaries or be paid by commission.

He said that they want to study if being paid by commission has a direct link on why fierce competition is seen on the road that leads to road mishaps.

“The purpose of this inspection is to determine if the bus companies are complying with the existing Labor Code of the Philippines. It is intended to protect the interests of the workers in the transport sector, particularly the drivers and conductors,” Tolentino said.

Benavidez said the ocular inspection is in fulfillment of their mandate to ensure that all workers are aptly paid and protected as provided for in the Labor Code.

“Being paid on commission basis is just a mode of payment. They are still regular workers and should have work-related benefits,” he said.

Initial interviews on one bus terminal showed that most workers work from 8-10 hours, while all bus drivers are paid by commission. Most garage workers have been found to be paid per-day, while mechanics are even earning below minimum wage at P350 per day. One bus terminal showed that workers have SSS registrations but few have PhilHealth and insurance benefits.

DOLE will forward notices of inspection to bus operators where violations will be cited. The bus companies shall be given 15 days to rectify their errors, while failure to comply will be grounds for investigation.

“It is important for the drivers to be properly informed and educated on the long-term benefits of what we are proposing, for them to be given fixed salaries and other packages. In the long run, they will be getting more and they will be assured of pension when they retire,” Tolentino said.