DRIVERS WELFARE Rep. Pulong wants reduced license costs, aid for indigent PUV drivers

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte of the First Congressional District of Davao City and two other legislators have proposed for a 20 percent reduction on the cost of the fees and other prerequisites for obtaining a professional driver’s license to indigent public utility vehicle drivers.

Through House Bill (HB) 8070, Rep. Pulong together with Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap, is pushing for a discount that would be applied to, among others, examination fees, certificates, clearances, and enrollment in accredited driving schools.

Rep. Pulong said that aside from the implementation of the PUV modernization program, there are many requirements set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to apply for a professional driver’s license, which adds to the financial problems of PUV drivers, particularly indigent drivers.

Head teacher killed in Pikit town ambush; another teacher injured

Under LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2284, applying for a professional driver’s license would require an applicant to be at least 18 years old, a non-professional driver’s license holder for at least one year, and able to pass a written exam and practical driving test.

The applicant must also submit a medical certificate, secure a clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or the Philippine National Police (PNP) and complete a minimum of eight-hour practical driving lessons from any

FDRIVERS, 7

Ahead teacher was killed while his co-teacher who was driving the motorcycle they were riding was rushed to the hospital after gunmen fired at them at around 11:30 a.m. while they were passing in front of the Manaulanan Elementary School in Pikit, North Cotabato.

Police identified the victim as Joel Reformado, 36, head teacher of Damalasak Elementary School and a resident of Poblacion Pikit. He suffered several gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Elton John Lapinid, 37, a teacher of the Mapagkaya Elementary School, who was driving the motorcycle, was rushed in a downtown hospital for surgery. He also suffered several gunshot wounds.

“They were busy organizing for a peace camp that will be held tomorrow but what they got in return was violence,” said a cousin of one of the victims who asked not to be named, citing security reasons.

According to Lt. Col. John Calinga, Chief of Police of Pikit town, when Reformado and Lapinid were passing in front of Manaulanan Elementary School from Barangay Silik going to the Poblacion, “two armed suspects suddenly appeared and opened fire.”

Joint police and army troops