Looks like the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) Traffic Enforcers decided to finally implement strictly the 1991 law of banning smoking in Public Vehicles in Metro Manila. Today, the traffic enforcers positioned themselves in main thoroughfares of the Nation’s capital and flagged down jeepneys and buses who had people smoking in them.
A lot of people who have been complaining about people smoking in public vehicles were delighted with the news. Jeepney, Bus and Delivery Truck drivers however weren’t happy with “surprise” implementation today. A lot of them said that they never heard of this law.
Those unlucky enough to get caught were fined P200.00 and their driver’s license was taken from them, plus they have to attend a seminar. Now if you think that was bad, wait till you hear that the driver’s will get fined even if it was their passengers that were caught smoking. That’s like saying that you could also fine the cigarette companies for allowing people to smoke in public vehicles.
Although I welcome the implementation of a No Smoking Ordinance in the Metro, I’m not too keen on the way they implemented it right now. This with an already tense relationship between the public transportation sector and the government, after the transport sector went on strike last monday to call for some higher transport fares and lowering of gas prices. Maybe to improve relations they could have implemented today with just a stern warning and letting the people off the hook.
And with high gas prices eating away at a Jeepney and Bus Driver’s meager earnings, the last thing they need right now is another fine to take some much needed money away from them.
Category: Automotive, Clean Air
