Traffic enforcer Wolfram Jumanguin suffered injuries after he was hit by a modern jeepney, a local term for a small bus, under the Maguikay flyover in Mandaue City on Tuesday afternoon, April 5, 2022. A security camera captured the incident involving the 56-year-old member of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue.
The video from the Mandaue Command Center shows the modern jeep changing lanes to overtake vehicles about to turn left, then hitting Jumanguin as he walks away from the junction box.
Jumanguin did not suffer serious injuries; however, he would be out for at least a week because his doctors advised him to rest and recover from his injuries.
Driver of the modern jeep was Marty Oppos Jr., the Mandaue City police’s traffic division said.
The transport cooperative that employs Oppos has promised to shoulder Jumanguin’s medical bills, according to the Team. It has also promised to pay for the days that Jumanguin would not be able to work.
Several netizens were appalled by the driver’s behavior along the busy highway and intersection in Mandaue City.
Most of these modern jeep drivers have been drivers of the traditional jeepneys. Bad habits like stopping in the middle of the road or areas not designated as public utility vehicle stops have been continued by some former drivers of traditional jeepneys who are now driving modern jeepneys.
The other habit carried from traditional jeepneys to modern jeepneys is the placing of extension seats. Drivers know having extension seats is illegal.
The Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas must discipline wayward drivers—they pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
It’s sad that the jeepneys are modern but some of their drivers have retained their bad habits. This is not surprising—“old habits die hard” on Philippine roads.