AUGUST 9, 2011 DATE

NR # 2490B
REF. NO.

Solon seeks probe on bus drivers working conditions

Alarmed over the continuing rise of road accidents involving buses, a lawmaker has asked a congressional panel to look into the possibility that sub -standard working conditions could be behind bus dri vers reckless driving. Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan De Oro City) filed House Resolution No. 1410 directing the Committee on Labor and Employment to investigate the working conditions of bus drivers nationwide and recommend measures to impr ove such conditions for public safety. There is a need for Congress to seriously consider the existing working conditions of the bus drivers and see whether giving them a fixed rate or fixed working hours will solve the problem. Rodriguez stressed this as he pushed for the adoption of the resolution co-authored by his brother Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (Abante Mindanao). Maybe we should even look into giving additional incentives for drivers so that they would be more careful in their driving, Rodrigu ez added. Citing the latest data collected by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Rodriguez said there are 4,825 bus accidents in 2008 or an average of 13 mishaps per day while 1,488 bus accidents were recorded in the first five months of 2009 . These accidents are usually caused by erring and over -speeding bus drivers who drive with reckless abandon without even considering the consequences of their style of driving, Rodriguez said. According to Rodriguez, one reason for the unsafe driving behavior is the lack of fixed salaries for bus drivers and conductors, who are paid on a commission basis. To earn more, most of them disobey traffic rules and often overload on passengers, Rodriguez added. Rodriguez also said many bus drivers toil by as much as 14 hours and their lack of sleep can result in exhaustion.(30) fg