To The Drivers

This is another old post of mine found in my other blog that I want y'all to read.

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To: The Drivers of Public Utility Vehicles in Iloilo

Our dear drivers,
We have a mutual need for one another. We need you because without you, it is very difficult for us to travel to different places in and out of the city. Not all of us can afford fancy cars. That is why your jeepneys are there: to enable us ordinary citizens to go wherever we want (or need to go). For a price of course. This is when your need for us comes in.
We know the money you earn from driving would be used to feed your hungry family. Also, part of the money you earn will be used for the education of your children because you believe education is the solution to ending poverty.
To sum it up, we need you for transportation and you need us for financial reasons.
In this regard, we would like to ask you a certain favor that would benefit us all.
Let us clarify what the Loading/Unloading signs mean. They mean that that particular area is designated as the place where it is safe drop off or pick up passengers. It is not a place where you wait to pick up passengers for countless hours. In Hiligaynon, ang Loading/Unloading area, indi lugar kung sa diin mahulat ka pasahero sang inoras, kundi dira ka lang mapa pana-og kag pasakay pasahero.
You just pick passengers who call your attention with the intention to ride your vehicle. By waiting for passengers in Loading/Unloading areas, you congest the road.
What is most irritating is that when a good number of passengers have already climbed up your vehicle, you still wait for more.
What are the consequences of waiting for passengers in Loading/Unloading areas? There are a few, quite actually.
First, waiting in Loading/Unloading areas is illegal. That is why at times, you get fined for waiting in no-waiting areas by our friends, the traffic police. Often times, we hear you complaining that those “buwayas” are corrupt and pervert the law so that they can fine you for no reason at all. We cannot deny the fact that there are some traffic policemen who do that. But often, it is you who has violated the law. And it is but just to punish those who have committed violations against our law. We could easily understand why you hate paying harsh fines. But remember, dura lex sed lex, the law is harsh but it is the law. So, if you despise being fined, obey the law. Loading and Unloading means picking up and dropping off of passengers.
Secondly, you congest the traffic. Iloilo City has obvious traffic congestion problems. You know that. We know that, too. The heat of the day doesn’t help, either. So, please, don’t add to the problem.
Thirdly, while you wait for more passengers to come, you also make us wait with you. While some have the luxury to wait for more passengers with you, most do not. Students and teachers others whose clocks seem to tick at an ultra-fast rate are the ones who are adversely affected. They have to be at school or at work on time. Do not be the reason why they are late.
Again, we appeal to you. Please, the Loading/Unloading sign doesn’t mean “wait for passengers here”. Just obey what the law dictates. It will be more beneficial to us all. Thank you and God bless you all.

Sincerely yours,

The Passengers