TRANSPORT organizations based in Iloilo City have slammed the need for a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance as a requirement in applying for a new driver’s license or for renewal of license.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) regional director Dennis Singson earlier said the requirement is mandated through an order from Department of Transportation and Communications that requires transports groups to get an NBI clearance before issuing a driver’s license.
Iloilo City Alliance of Drivers Association (Icada) president Raymundo Parcon said the NBI requirement is an added burden to the jeepney drivers and viewed as detrimental to the livelihood of the drivers as they have to wait for several days and months to get the clearance.
Iloilo City Loop Alliance of Drivers and Jeepney Operators Association vice president Rizalino Alido said the additional burden to the drivers was not discussed nor informed to them.
Piston Panay president Nick Dalisay said the imposition of NBI clearance is an insult to the drivers for having no integrity as seen by LTO.
The transport groups are set to conduct several mass actions and rallies this week against the NBI clearance requirement, which they said was not mandated in the past years.