Davao traffic chief tells PUJ drivers to implement social distancing

The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) called on jeepney drivers, especially those TUPAD beneficiaries, to strictly implement social distancing among passengers as a preventive measure against the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Jeepney drivers are also urged to ensure that passengers wear masks and regular cleaning and disinfecting their units to protect them and their passengers.

CTTMO chief Dionisio Abude said that one of the purposes of offering TUPAD to the PUJ drivers is to help implement social distancing among commuters.

“Gitagaan sila ani para malikayan na makatakod ang usa ka sakit tungod kay dug-ol kayo. Atoa silang ipaluag gamay, ipalayo. (They were given this program to prevent the spread of the disease through close contact. We have to give spaces, distance from each other)” Abude said.

According to Abude, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will penalize drivers violating the rule. The penalty amounts to P5,000 on a first offense, P10,000 on a second offense, and franchise suspension for a third offense.

He also said that the mandate regarding social distancing applies to all transport vehicles, not only to those enrolled under the TUPAD program.

“It so happened lang na naa tay programa, pero para ni sa tanan na public transport. Dapat mag-observe sila aning social distancing. (It so happened that we have this program, but this applies to all public transport. They should observe social distancing),” Abude stressed.

TUPAD or Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program provides temporary employment to PUJ Drivers whose livelihood was affected due to the COVID-19.

Around 3,000 PUJ drivers can avail the program following the First Come First Serve Policy on the registration facilitated by the CTTMO.

The PUJ drivers will be required to work for 30 days excluding Saturdays and Sundays with a minimum pay of P369 per day.

TUPAD Spokesperson, Norman Baloro, said TUPAD does not only aim to provide for the PUJ drivers during the COVID-19 restrictive period but also to help the commuters in their daily travel.

They still have to drive their jeepneys for public service. If they don’t drive, we cannot give them Php 369, Baloro said. In a month, PUJ drivers will get Php11,880.

The TUPAD program is dubbed as “PUJ Ko, Patuloy na Papasada Para sa Publiko” to call for the PUJ drivers to continue driving for the public, at the same time reminding them to observe social distancing inside the jeepney.

The TUPAD program is closely monitored by the City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) Barangay Council, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Office of the City Mayor, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI, LTFRB, CTTMO, and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP). CIO