MANILA, Philippines: A group of bus drivers and operators in the Philippines has lodged a complaint with the Office of the President (OP) against an official from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 4-A, accusing him of extortion.
In a complaint sent to The Manila Times, the drivers and operators who serve routes such as Naic-PITX, Tagaytay-PITX, Indang-PITX, Alfonso-PITX, and Mendez-PITX, alleged that LTO 4A Regional Director Cupido Gerry Asuncion demanded a payment of P50,000 from each bus operator whenever they were apprehended by enforcers, in order to avoid further consequences.
Furthermore, the group claimed that Asuncion required a monthly payment of P25,000 to prevent any future apprehensions. They expressed their frustration with the situation, highlighting the challenges they face in their daily operations, including the imposition of various violations if they refuse to comply with these demands.
The complaint, submitted to the Presidential Action Center, also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take action against the officials of LTO Region 4-A and appoint a leader who genuinely advocates for the welfare of bus drivers and operators.
The letter, dated February 27, 2024, was signed by several individuals, including Federico Callejas from Celyrosa Transport, Henry Cayao from Lorna Express, Francis Caballero from Floralde Liner, and Teddy Lising, chairman of the Cavite Batangas Transport Service Cooperative.
It is important to address such allegations of corruption and extortion, as they undermine the trust and integrity of the transportation system in the country. Bus drivers and operators play a vital role in providing transportation services to the public, and their grievances should be taken seriously.
Extortion and bribery have long been issues in many countries, hindering progress and causing harm to businesses and individuals alike. It is crucial for authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations and hold accountable those responsible for such acts.
The complaint filed by the bus drivers and operators shines a light on the challenges they face in their profession. These individuals work tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of public transportation, often under difficult conditions.
By demanding exorbitant sums of money from bus operators, the accused official not only violates the law but also adds financial burden to an already struggling industry. Such actions hinder the growth and development of the transportation sector, impacting both the drivers and the passengers who rely on their services.
The plea to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take action and appoint a leader who genuinely advocates for the welfare of bus drivers and operators is a call for justice and fairness. It is essential that those in positions of power prioritize the well-being of the people they serve.
Corruption within government agencies can erode public trust and confidence. Therefore, it is imperative that swift and thorough investigations are conducted to address these allegations and root out any corrupt practices.
The complaint filed by the bus drivers and operators is a brave step towards seeking justice and accountability. Their actions should be commended, as they are standing up against corruption and advocating for a fair and transparent transportation system.
It is our hope that the Office of the President will give due attention to this complaint and take appropriate action to address the concerns raised by the bus drivers and operators. By doing so, they can demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the welfare of those who contribute to the smooth functioning of the transportation sector.
Together, we can work towards a system that is free from corruption, where the rights and well-being of bus drivers and operators are protected, and where public transportation serves as a reliable and efficient means of travel for all.
Source: The Manila Times
