SAFETY of the riding public is being sought.
A resolution requiring operators of taxicabs, jeepneys, buses, garage vans, school services and the like to submit bio data with 2x2 ID picture, police and NBI clearances for commuters safety.
"Maganda yun kung irerequire nila para sa safety lalo sa akin, lagi akong nagtataxi. Mas madali din kilalanin yung mga drivers na abuso at hindi marunong magbigay ng tamang discount lalo na sa PWD," Weng Bagnas, 37, a PWD from Camp 7 told Sun.Star Baguio.
Another commuter from Loakan-Apugan stated it is for the safety of the commuters.
"Kailangan talaga ang NBI at police clearance pati 2x2 na isubmit ng mga driver for identity. Assurance din kasi yun na hindi sila nagdrudrugs or wala silang illicit activities lalo ngayon may mga balita na na-involve sa crimes na mga drivers," Novie Sianen, government employee, 28.
Meanwhile, Justin Aguilar, 20, a student of UP Baguio agrees the safety of the passengers will be maintained if the proper identification and police clearance of PUV drivers will be submitted to the authorities.
"Ayos yan na ordinance para assured ang safety naming mga turista lalo pa at wala kaming mga kakilala dito sa Baguio," Dan Taberna, 24, tourist from Nueva Ecija.
In a proposal of councilor Leandro Yangot on Monday's session, it is necessary for stated documents to be submitted to the BCPO, which will ensure protection and welfare of the general public.
The documents will also help the authorities identify culprits if an operator has committed a violation of the law.
"The maintenance of Peace and Order in the City of Baguio is one of the top priorities of the present administration. Records of the Baguio City Police Office disclosed there are cases of rape, robbery, hold ups committed by drivers of public utility vehicles and some of these cases remain unsolved because perpetrators are still unidentified," the proponent stated.
On May 30, a taxi driver (who later on committed suicide) raped a Japanese student at a Motel in the city.
The proponent added crimes done by public utility vehicles servicemen are alarming and will affect the business prospects of the transport industry, needless to mention the fear it will create on riding the public and public at large.
If an operator will violate the ordinance, they will be fined with five thousand pesos and cancellation or non-renewal of their business permits.