Gov't urged to ensure enough PUVs for holiday travelers

The government must ensure that there is adequate, reliable and safe transportation for Filipinos who will be travelling to various destinations this coming Yuletide season, Senator Grace Poe said Friday.

In a statement, the Senate public services committee chairperson pointed out that lack of available public transportation would open the opportunity for fly-by-night and colorum vehicles to operate.

“For millions whose only option is to take the public transportation, public utility vehicles (PUVs) should be readily and safely accessible,” Poe said.

“The lack of PUVs could open the way for fly-by-night and other colorum vehicles that could jeopardize the safety of our riding public.”

Poe likewise called on the concerned agencies to work closely with transportation groups and private operators to make sure that there is sufficient number of PUVs to transport travelers safely to their destination.

"Unauthorized for-hire vehicles usually charge passengers exorbitantly. Worst, they ply the roads without undergoing the proper safety checks exposing the public to road hazards and increased risk of accidents," she added.

Poe issued the statement in light of the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, Survivors and their Families on the third Sunday of November.

In January 2020, Republic Act 11468 was enacted to promote road safety and encourage the remembrance of the lives lost or injured in road accidents.

Poe cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority which showed that there were 5,455 deaths recorded due to transportation accidents from January to July 2022.

She also mentioned that road crash incidents ranked 12th among the top causes of deaths in the country during the same period.

The senator said she hopes that the law will be fully implemented not only to remember the victims of road crash but to "draw attention to the crucial task of embarking on shared actions to prevent further road traffic deaths and injuries and help families of the victims find justice."

“The road tragedies leave a lesson that they should not be repeated, and remind us that the path to safe travels is a shared responsibility,” Poe said. —Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA Integrated News