Too Many Reckless Drivers in Phl

by Max Sangil

Fifty percent of Filipino drivers are stupid? That’s what Senator Tito Sotto of Eat Bulaga fame declared during a hearing on road safety in the upper house. A wisecrack retorted, however. How many are there in the senate?

In a way Sotto maybe correct in some points. Not fearing any contradiction, it is safe to say that the Land Transportation Office(LTO) is rather lax in their issuance of drivers’ license. According to him if a real examination will be imposed, ‘fifty percent of the drivers will fail’. There are so many reckless drivers on the road. And unmindful of road regulations. So many ideas, so many suggestions are being aired daily from different sectors on how to solve traffic congestion plaguing not only Metro Manila but also other cities all over the world. Can you imagine the road going to Porac, once a lethargic town suffers daily jams. In my youth you are lucky if you’ll see ten vehicles using that road.

In my interviews with Pampanga Governor Lilia ‘Nanay Baby’ Pineda and Angeles City Mayor Edgardo D. Pamintuan who is currently the Regional Development Council (RDC) chairman said a portion of the P100 million was already earmarked for a potential quarry road to lessen the pressure on Friendship Highway section going to the City of San Fernando. BTW, it has to be fast tracked due to the construction of a mall of the Friendship road tip point.

Former Clark Development Corporation President and now the Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, a known disciplinarian should impose stricter measures with regards to the issuance of licenses. There must be a honest to goodness examination, both in written and actual driving. Then we can prove if Sotto is correct or not. Fixers still abound in many LTO offices all over the country. And you may ask why too many polluting vehicles are still on the road? No vehicles, no matter how old, fail the emission test.

Here’s a flyer I picked in an LTO office and titled DRIVERS ROAD SAFETY PLEDGE, and here are some of the promises. ‘ I make this personal commitment as a safety conscious responsible driver by pledging the following: I will maintain my vehicle roadworthy at all times. 2. I will observe and follow road laws, rules and regulations. I will not use my cellphone when driving. I will buckle my seatbelt… etc etc
On those three points alone, Sotto maybe correct because the pledge is more broken than honored.

MY TWEETS:
Long time serving Angeles Fiscal Alberto Suller passed away last Monday. My deepest condolences to the family. He will be remembered for his humor.

This columnist support Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez. She should be confirmed by the Commission on Appointment.

My personal congratulations to the 88 Angeles City Hall employees who were given the Loyalty Awards. Mabuhay ang AGENDA. Mabuhay kayo Mayor Edpam, Atty. Noy and President Ed Sanchez.

Editor’s Note: Formerly newspaperman of Daily Inquirer and other major dailies; former TV and radio Broadcaster.

Former Director of various corporations like Clark Development Co.; and a former City of Angeles Councillor. Now a regular columnist of Sun Star Pampanga.