The moment these diligent drivers arrive from Daraga then turn into Penaranda Street, their predicament starts. Whether or not passengers voluntarily board their vehicles is not the issue anymore. For every passenger, a driver should have to give his share to these leeches. Most of the time drivers choose to forego the loading and unloading zones located (on both the access points of the large store) literally controlled by these unscrupulous individuals. As a result, they risk losing precious clients in this highly competitive business of public transport.
The continued existence of this group of roadside bandits has long been brought to the attention of the authorities but still they continue to thrive. The earlier resolution was to field a couple of foot patrols but these roaming cops have to contend with hide-and-seek antics. The fiends were able to pattern the patrol’s routine and soon they were at it again. Later on it was agreed that an officer known for his tough stance against street punks was assigned to the area. He however became “too friendly” with the bullies so they became bolder. The notoriety of this enforcer doubled when word floated around that he had a cut from the loot. To makes things worse, he allegedly confiscated the licenses of uncooperative drivers. It was also alleged that this cop had the drivers secure the release of their licenses in his residence. The drivers had no choice but to comply if they needed to continue feeding their families. To date, no one has confirmed nor denied these allegations. The officer in question was later reprimanded and reassigned to another beat but was spotted again in the same area a week prior to this column’s receipt of the letter. It is widely known that cynics believe that there are no such things as coincidences.
Meanwhile, there is an organization of drivers and operators that is supposed to look out for their welfare but it seems that it has limited itself to strikes and protests against fuel hikes. Even the Traffic Division of the Legazpi Police appears to be useless with regards to the issue. Do the besieged drivers have to go higher for the problems to be acted upon?
There are two evident issues at hand: first, the loading and unloading zones behind LCC Mall are not terminals. It is for public function and should not be under the supervision of anyone else except the city government. Any group or person using the designated areas for any other reason should be made answerable to the city government. If for instance the areas are to be converted into satellite terminals, the move should undergo the regular process just like any other statute and that includes proper consultation with all those affected. That suggestion however is not feasible because it opens up all new serious concerns like traffic congestion and privatization. If these persons in question are acting as agents of the city government, they should at least be wearing identification cards to prove such.
Second, no driver should be made to pay a single peso to anyone when he loads passengers in these zones as he has already paid the required dues to the powers that be. Any collection beyond that in the name of traffic maintenance or anything else may be considered illegal. It could even be classified as pure extortion that could result to arrest if one is caught in the act. If a driver gives any amount voluntarily is beside the issue as that would encourage others to also prey on the public vehicles in other thoroughfares.
Finally, there is a very strong possibility that these street suckers are being coddled or at the very least, being permitted to practice their trade. If this is true, we do not need to do the math to surmise that the protectors are making a reaping out of the problem. No one will ever believe that those who are in-charge have clean hands unless they themselves get rid of these vicious vampires soon. The longer they delay, the bigger the suspicion.
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