Many drivers in the Philippines are not only reckless, but are also "stupid," Senate Majority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said during a hearing of the Senate committee on public services on Tuesday.
“Dito sa atin sa Pilipinas if we do an honest to goodness examination of drivers, the way this is being done in other countries especially the US , I expect that more than 50 percent of the drivers in the Philippines will not pass,” Sotto said.
“Grabe hindi lang reckless, ang tatanga. Kaya siguradong babagsak. Sa tunay na examination, 50 percent ng driver sa Pilipinas babagsak,” the Senator added.
Sotto, who drives his own car, said those drivers who do not follow the traffic rules add up to the worsening traffic problem in the country.
He also noted of those who park along city streets and aggravate the already bad situation in Metro Manila.
“Sinong gumagawa nun? E di yung mga driver din na tanga. They violate the law. Papano hindi dumaan sa scrutiny. Ang daling kumuha ng lisensya,” Sotto said.
The senator urged the Land Transportaion Office (LTO) to implement stricter rules on the issuance and renewal of drivers' licenses.
Edgar Galvante, LTO chief Assistant Secretary, admitted shortcomings in the issuance of licenses, especially for those applying for professional licenses.
Galvante pointed out that under the law, a driver who has been issued a six-month student permit may already apply for a professional driver’s license.
“E mukhang dito po ay may kakulangan tayo rito kaya iniiba na po natin ang procedures. In fact, paghihiwalayin natin ang examination ng professional at non-professional,” Galvante said.
Source / Images: Inquirer
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