ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas is set to convene taxi operators in this city following recent controversies involving two taxis.
There is no date yet for the meeting but it would be “as soon as possible,” the city mayor said.
Treñas would also want to request to the taxi operators to have their drivers undergo training to avoid the same incidents – a miscommunication between a taxi driver and his female passenger on which route to take and another taxi driver who allegedly sexually harassed an 18-year-old female passenger – from happening again.
“Ipangayuon ta nga i-train nila ang ila tani nga drivers para nga ti parehas sang isa to daw nagsala to, ti, para ma-avoid ina bala,” Treñas said.
The city mayor, however, said that he understands why taxi operators had laxity on screening drivers they are hiring since taxi drivers are in demand now that the economic activities in the city are gradually recovering from the pandemic.
“We have to understand also nga ti ang demand taas kaayo, siguro amo na nga bisan sin-o na man lang ang ginakuha nila. Ti, kay nagasugod na balik ang economic activities ta. Ti, iban bag-o pa lang nga drivers, intindihon ta lang anay. Diutay lang nga training,” said Treñas.
He also said he would talk to Public Safety and Transportation Management Office head Jeck Conlu regarding the conduct of training for taxi drivers.
Despite the recent controversies involving taxi drivers, Treñas reiterated to the riding public that the city is very safe.
“I think Iloilo is very safe, among the safest cities all over the country. And there is no need to worry about it,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police Office led by Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica had scheduled a meeting with taxi operators and drivers today.
Around 30 to 40 operators and drivers are expected to attend.
ICPO spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines said they would tackle the recent incidents involving the two taxi drivers, among others./PN
