Pinoy teens, young children...

a win-win situation for all. There are other reasons why the PUV modernization program needs to be implemented with no more delay. According to the DENR, 80 percent of the pollution in Metro Manila and key cities is attributed to motor vehicle pollution, particularly from old diesel-run PUVs. In terms of motorists’ safety, some 40,133 accidents were recorded involving PUVs between 2016-2019. The extraordinarily high accident rate of PUVs is due to the lack of maintenance of vehicles and failure to replace tires, break pads, headlights and tail lights. The sad reality is that independent PUV operators function from hand to mouth. They simply do not have the financial elbow room to invest in maintenance. Hence, the need to organize into cooperatives or corporations. And then there is the outdated boundary system – an arrangement that brings out the worst in PUV drivers. The need to earn the boundary compels drivers to race like mad men to secure as many passengers as possible, even if it means

PAGE 8 seven children less than 10 years old,” the report revealed.

Except for one case that lacks data on the mode of transmission, all 78 adolescents acquired the infection through sexual contact.

Of the 78 HIV-infected adolescents, 65 acquired the infection through male-to-male sex, eight through sex with both males and females, and five through male-to-female sex.

By age bracket, the DOH said 57 (72 percent of the cases) were 18 to 19 years old, 20 (25 percent) were 15 to 17 years old, and two (three percent) were only between 10 to 14 years old.

The DOH previously reported a total of 1,454 new HIV cases for January 2023. The figure indicates an average of 46 new HIV cases are reported each day.

In 2022, the DOH reported a 21 percent increase in the number of new HIV cases compared to the previous year. n program is long overdue. Citizens, commuters and drivers have waited six long years for this badly needed program to be implemented. We must not let those who resist change and those who failed to prepare get in the way of progress. Let this be the last time the LTFRB gives in to pressure. At the end of the day, progress delayed is progress denied. (Philstar. com) breaking traffic rules. Drivers have no choice but to work 12 to 14 hours per day just to earn a decent take-home pay, after boundary. Many have resorted to taking illegal drugs to meet the physical demands of the job.

The PUV modernization program will eliminate the boundary system in exchange for fixed salaries plus SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig benefits for the driver. Working hours will be rationalized and safer driving conditions secured. Drivers will now be accorded the dignity they deserve.

The PUV modernization

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan