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By Jayson Cruz Luna, Reporter
DEADSET to improve the country’s traffic
situation, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani
Fernando on Friday told drivers to refrain from giving money to
“barkers,” or those people who call for passengers.
“The presence of barkers in busy roads
disrupts the flow of vehicles. They [barkers] continue with their
activities because the public jeepney drivers give them money. If
drivers will not pay the barkers, they will not stay in the area,”
Fernando said.
He added that drivers traversing the same route
need to unite to protect themselves from harassment from barkers and
even criminal elements.
“They [barkers] not only rob the drivers of
their meager income but also contribute to the worsening traffic
situation along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila,” Fernando
said.
Fernando gave the advice in a transport meeting
held at MMDA office recently. The drivers sought the agency’s help
to get rid of the barkers who threaten to hurt them if they refuse
to give them money.
The MMDA has been conducting anti-illegal barker
drives along various roads in Metro Manila. The barkers, however,
keep on coming back to the streets because the penalty for such act
is not hefty.
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