As discussed in a column published back in April entitled “Shutting their eyes to the overloading issue,” it was explained the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for the identification and apprehension of overloaded trucks and not the Land Transportation Office (LTO), as many may believe.

It was earlier noted, weighing scales used to monitor trucks carrying heavy cargo are the responsibility of the DPWH. They have the authority to determine whether or not a vehicle is overloaded.

When there are violations, however, the DPWH is supported to inform the LTO regarding penalties on the operator. One can say DPWH leads in their partnership with the LTO.

The Negros Occidental DPWH once cracked down on overloaded trucks months ago in Bago City, but nothing else has been done on the matter since then.

With LTO-Region 6 (LTO-6) Director Roland Ramos handling errant drivers, he has since asked LTO-6 enforcement teams to apprehend tricycle operators in violation of the law.

In contrast, Bacolod City residents have noticed Bacolod Traffic Authority Office officials are no longer visible on the streets apprehending such operators.

The public prays for more discipline on the roads.

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This column greets Alex Pastor, Jim Javellana, Art Colmedora, Lito Aves, Manolet Lamata, Rey Balaan, Neel Abordaje, William Ong, Karen Dinsay, Joe Jimenez, Nino Lizares, and Francis Velez./WDJ