By BEN ROSARIO
The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that will honor drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) through the declaration of May 8 of every year as Public Transportation Drivers (PTD) Day.
With 203 affirmative and zero negative votes, the House on Tuesday, March 16, approved on final reading House Bill (HB) No. 8915 principally authored by DUMPER PTDA partylist Rep. Claudine Diana D. Bautista.
HB 8915 directs the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to study the adoption of a “private-car-free day” and similar activities that will encourage the public to use public transportation and reduce the number vehicles on the road during the celebration of PTD Day.
Approval of the measure was strongly sought by the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento.
Bautista, House Assistant Majority Leader and vice chairperson of the transportation panel, said approval of the measure underscores the House’s acknowledgement of the role of PUV drivers in nation building.
“It’s been almost two years since I filed this bill, but this was something I wanted to make sure was passed, because I know how hardworking and important our PUV drivers are not only to commuters, but also to the entire country,” explained Bautista.
“The bill aims to recognize the indispensable role of our PUV drivers in nation building and to elevate their status as key players in keeping our economy, the heartbeat of national growth and prosperity, running,” the lady solon stated.
The PTD Day will be celebrated a week after the Labor Day in honor of the country’s work force.
“It is time to show our appreciation and gratitude to every public transportation driver for the crucial role they play to the overall development of our society,” stressed Bautista.
