Tuesday, January 15, 2008 LTO vows more crackdowns vs 'uso-uso' jeepneys By Carlo P. Mallo
THE proliferation of the notoriously known "uso-uso" jeepneys might be nearing its end as the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Southern Mindanao vowed more crackdowns.
In an interview last Monday, LTO-Southern Mindanao Gomer Dy said they have been operating against "uso-uso" jeepneys since 2006. "Napuno na ang aming bodega ng aming mga na confiscate na stereos," Dy said.
One characteristic of the "uso-uso" jeepneys is its very big speakers capable of producing the loudest noise.
Dy, however, said there seems to be a problem in putting an end to this kind of jeepneys as some drivers simply just turn off their stereos once they spot LTO personnel.
Once seized, however, the speakers will not be returned to the owners, Dy explained. "Confiscation talaga ang penalty," he added.
According to the LTO chief, the "uso-uso" jeepneys usually operate only at nighttime.
"We have been apprehending them, dili lang namo sila mahurot (we just can't apprehend them all)," Dy told Sun.Star Davao.
Apart from playing loud music, "uso-uso," drivers are also known for driving beyond speed limits. "They are reckless drivers," Dy added.
Most "uso-uso" jeepneys ply the long distance routes of the city such as Toril, Tibungco, Mintal, and Calinan.
"Uso-uso" jeepneys took center stage last week when one got involved in a freak accident killing three persons. The three victims, one pedestrian and a father and son on board a motorcycle, were hit by an over speeding "uso-uso" jeepney bound for Toril.
The victims were identified as Leo Escalera, 49, and his son Daryl Jules, 20, both residents of Anthony Village in Lanang, Davao City. The other one was Gevaert Remonde, 33, of Flores Village in Bangkal.
The driver, a certain Lyndon Lim, is set to face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide and damage to property.
