Philippines Penalty Protest

A Philippines transport group has promised a series of strikes in response to recent legislation imposing increased penalties for motoring offences.

A spokesman for Opereytors Nationwide claimed that the first of such actions, which started on Monday, has already crippled major routes in the six provinces of Bicol. “This is just the start of our protest," he said.

The protests, organised by the Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform-Bicol will be mirrored by similar moves in Davao City on Wednesday.

The contention surrounds Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Order number 2008-39, which has increased the penalty for ignoring traffic signs by more than 1900% from a paltry £4 to about £74.

Driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty equivalent to just £140, although offenders do also face the loss of their driving licences and probable 2-year prison sentences.

The new rules also provide for vastly increased fines for a host of minor traffic offences, including those relating to incorrectly displayed number plates, For instance, the somewhat bizarre misdemeanour of sporting out-of-date commemorative plates or stickers will now cost you around £7. The antagonists are also calling for the abolition of VAT on petrol.

In a similar series of stoppages last year, the industrial action succeeded in closing 90% of the area's public transport system.

Back to News Index