Bayaning Tsuper (BTS), a road safety advocacy party-list, included continuing cash subsidy, housing, and legal counsel, among other, as its top legislative programs to enhance road safety stakeholders’ welfare.
This, after it conducted a dialogue with the Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), led by National President Boy Vargas, and other transport groups, to determine possible areas of cooperation for the benefit of public transport drivers and small to medium scale operators who have been severely affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
BTS second nominee Atty. Philip Josef “PJ” Vera Cruz emphasized the need for long-term and sustainable solutions to build a strong transport sector.
According to first nominee Atty. Aminola “Alex” Abaton, these programs address some of the most basic needs of drivers. Having these will empower them as they thrive to get back on their respective feet and rebuild their lives post-pandemic.
“Gagawin natin itong institusyon sa sektor ng transportation para protektahan at arugain ang ating mga tsuper,” Abaton underscored.
For his part, BTS second nominee Atty. Philip Josef “PJ” Vera Cruz emphasized the need for long-term and sustainable solutions to build a strong transport sector so that it may fulfill its mandate as an essential component to nation-building.
“Huwag nating kalimutan ang long-term solutions sa mga problema para sa ikagaganda ng buhay ng mga nasa hanay ng transportasyon na tutulong para makabangon ang ating bansa,” he highlighted.
Aside from these, the group also discussed other priority projects such as the creation of a database of legitimate drivers; fuel subsidy; building of comfortable, convenient and accessible transport terminals for TODAs, jeepneys and habal-habal; and the establishment of Bayaning Tsuper offices per region to ensure immediate and region-specific response to transport concerns.
Further, Abaton assured, “Darating ang panahon, kapag sinabi mong Bayaning Tsuper, ang tatatak sa tao ay kung anong klaseng serbisyo meron tayo–ang kalidad ng serbisyo sa sektor ng transportasyon.”
