STRICTER requirements are now being imposed on drivers and conductors of buses and minibuses at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).
Jonathan Tumulak, CSBT security head, said strict requirements for bus and minibus drivers and conductors have been imposed after some bus operators have allowed ex-convicts to work for them without informing CSBT.
Tumulak said that while CSBT has no problem with bus operators in hiring ex-convicts if their true motive is to properly reintegrate themselves to society, he hopes the operators will coordinate with them first before allowing these persons to work for them.
He said that aside from the letter of endorsement from their operators, drivers and conductors are required to secure a police clearance and to submit themselves to a mandatory drug test.
Before, bus and minibus operators only require their drivers to secure a barangay clearance.
Tumulak also asked the operators to monitor their personnel as he often received reports that some drivers and conductors hire “helpers” without checking their background.
“Ato lang giawhag ang mga operators nato nga striktohon unta nila og monitor ang ilang mga tawo kay dili sad ta gusto nga maperwisyo ang mga mananakay ana nila (We don’t want passengers to be put at risk),” Tumulak said.
Julieto Flores, president of the Cebu Provincial Bus and Minibus Operators Cooperative (CPBMOC), said they are amenable to Tumulak’s request.
Flores said he agrees with the drug tests as it will give their passengers peace of mind. (JKV)