Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero is advocating for the permanent revocation of driver’s licenses for motorists involved in road rage incidents and serious vehicular crashes, aiming to curb the growing culture of road indiscipline.
“The proliferation of ‘kamote’ driver videos on social media, far from being amusing, underscores a serious societal problem,” Escudero stated. “These incidents often lead to widespread disruption and violence, demanding decisive action.”
He argued that the current 90-day suspension imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is insufficient to deter reckless behavior. “To ensure road safety, we must move beyond temporary suspensions and implement license revocations,” Escudero emphasized.
As a driver himself, the Senate President lamented the persistent lack of road discipline as a primary cause of road problems in the country. “We need to restore order on our roads. The rampant indiscipline among motorists necessitates drastic measures. Revoking the licenses of abusive drivers is a crucial first step,” he asserted.
Escudero stressed the gravity of driving privileges, stating, “A driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. It comes with significant responsibilities. Those who demonstrate a lack of discipline should have their licenses permanently revoked.”
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe says the invitation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers to consolidate anew signals a fresh start for the government’s modernization goals.
“We laud DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon for heeding the call to revisit the flawed modernization program after consultation with transport groups and stakeholders.”
“But the devil is in the details, as they say. Are the new guidelines responsive to the concerns earlier raised by the drivers and operators? Is there a new scheme to make the modern jeepney units more affordable? Are all routes covered?”
Senator Poe expects the guidelines will be able to answer the misgivings and questions of our PUV drivers and operators to encourage them to take part in this program. “We are hopeful that the new DOTr leadership will do it right and just this time.”
