MMDA to hunt down over 1,700 errant bus drivers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said the agency will run after more than 1,700 public utility bus (PUB) drivers who have committed hundreds of traffic violations since 2006.

At a press briefing, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia expressed alarm over the erring PUB drivers with a long record of traffic violations.

“I immediately coordinated with the [Land Transportation Office]. We will strictly enforce Republic Act 4136 against errant drivers,” Garcia said.

Under RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines, a driver who commits the same violation at least three times in a year may face automatic suspension of license of up to two years.

PNP-Highway Patrol Group Traffic Enforcement Unit chief Police Lt. Col. Emmanuel Tabuena said these repeat offenders will be arrested once the list is released, the MMDA said.

LTO Law Enforcement Service Deputy Director Roberto Valera assured the public that due process will be observed in  dealing with these perennial traffic violators, the MMDA added.

Based on MMDA records, one PUB driver was found to have committed 533 violations since 2006 including obstruction, disregarding traffic sign, loading/unloading, yellow lane, and open door.

"Our aim is to instill discipline among the PUB drivers. Also, this is for the safety of passengers," Garcia pointed out.

Garcia advised bus operators not to hire drivers with numerous traffic violations.

Meanwhile, the records of public utility vehicle drivers’ traffic violations from 2018 up to present are also under the scrutiny of the MMDA. They will forward these records to the LTO for proper action, the MMDA said. — MDM, GMA News