|
Professional driver’s license holders have mixed views about the
implementation of the Driver’s License Enhancement Program (DLEP)
of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which aims to provide
insurance benefits to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.
During the first public hearing on the program,
majority of professional drivers expressed acceptance toward the
program. However, some of them expressed objection over the
additional charges from the program, particularly for the insurance
premium.
The DLEP is based on Department Order 98-1195A
issued by the Department of Transportation and Communications during
the time of then-President Joseph Estrada. The program never
materialized during Estrada’s time.
But the LTO, under the leadership of Reynaldo
Berroya, revived the program and gave it several amendments for it
to be more viable and acceptable to professional drivers.
Originally, the Government Service Insurance
System (GSIS) was chosen to provide the personal insurance coverage
for the drivers. However, the providing of insurance coverage was
also opened to private firms.
Likewise, the insurance coverage was raised from
P30,000 to P100,000, inclusive of the bail bonds of the professional
drivers.
Under DLEP, drivers will have to pay an
additional P30 every time they renew their driver’s license, or
P10 per year, as insurance premium.
Once in place, professional drivers, many of
whom drive PUVs, are assured that they will receive assistance for
accidents.
At present, only passengers and third parties
are covered by insurance through the Enhance Third Party Insurance
Liability and Personal Passenger Accident Insurance Program. Both
systems are being handled by Philippine Accident Managers Inc. and
the Universal Transport Solutions.
-- Jefferson Antiporda
|
