CEBU CITY — PISTON Cebu has organized a protest rally in front of the LTO Region 7 office to strongly oppose and condemn the excessive and unjust harassment of drivers through unreasonable and exorbitant fines and penalties. This action highlights the growing frustration among drivers who are being unfairly targeted by the current regulatory system.
Recent reports reveal that some drivers in Cebu are facing fines as high as P27,000 for minor and fabricated violations imposed by the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001. The average driver in the city is burdened with fines starting at P6,000, making it difficult for them to make ends meet.
To add to the burden, the impending implementation of a demerit system for licenses further exploits drivers during license renewals.
PISTON National President and Makabayan senatorial candidate, Mody Floranda, expressed concern, stating, “There is a phaseout for vehicles, but it seems that drivers will be phased out first due to the JAO and demerits.” This statement emphasizes the urgent need for reform in the treatment of drivers within the current system.
Excessive fines are just one aspect of a broader series of attacks on drivers’ livelihoods across the country. The Marcos regime has effectively turned governance into a profit-driven enterprise, seeking every possible means to extort money from the public through high taxes and steep fines.
Floranda further emphasized, “What the tree bears is its fruit. The Marcoses and Dutertes are corrupt thieves, so it’s no surprise that those beneath them, like the LTO, are also engaging in corrupt practices.”