PUV front seats strictly reserved for PWDs, Srs

AN ordinance which seeks to make the front seats of a public utility vehicle (PUV) permanently available only for person with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens is now being pushed at the Davao City council.

Person with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) president Bong Comiling said yesterday during Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex, Davao City that they have already conducted a consultation meeting last week with Councilor Victorio Advincula Jr. to have a unified stand in coming up with a resolution to address the concern of PWDs from being deprived of their rights in transportation.

He cited that several drivers ignore the existing law and thus the front seats are occupied by regular passengers.

Those settled on the front seat do not give way to PWDs, Comiling said.

There is already a law under Accessiblity Law or Batas Pambansa 344 which “requires public transport, like buses and jeepneys to reserve seats nearest the exit and/or entrance doors for persons with disabilities (PWD) for better access, safety and comfort.”

And there must be posters or stickers stuck at the front seats to identify the priority seats. The violators will pay a penalty of P2,000 to P5,000 fine or imprisonment up to one year or both.

If this will be passed, the traffic enforcers will be conducting inspection whether the passengers sitting at the front seat is a PWD or a senior citizen and fines awaits for those drivers who does not follow the rules and regulation.