Senator Mark Villar has filed a resolution requesting a Senate probe into the recent wave of violent assaults against Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers, highlighting the urgent necessity to reinforce safety protocols in the ride-hailing sector.
Under Senate Resolution No. 527, Villar wants an inquiry focused on discovering methods to protect both drivers and commuters, improving collaboration between transport network firms and the police, and crafting potential legislation to guarantee a safer public transport system.
The filing comes on the heels of several brutal crimes against TNVS operators, including a fatal robbery of a driver in Cavite and a deadly stabbing in Caloocan. Villar noted that these tragic events have laid bare the weaknesses in the industry’s current security frameworks.
”Hindi natin maaaring hayaang maging normal o dumami pa ang mga karumal-dumal na insidente laban sa ating mga TNVS riders. We must put in place stronger preventive measures that protect both drivers and passengers, especially at a time when criminals are becoming more brazen,” Villar said.
The legislative inquiry intends to scrutinize the existing safety systems utilized by transport network companies.
Key areas for review include passenger identity verification, real-time trip tracking, in-app distress features, police coordination, and the specific duties of private platforms and state regulators in protecting the riding public.
According to Villar, the ultimate goal of the evaluation is to formulate policies that will bolster crime deterrence, accelerate emergency responses, and heighten corporate accountability within the app-based transport market.
The lawmaker emphasized that TNVS operators face unique workplace hazards, primarily because they can unwittingly pick up criminals or syndicate members disguised as regular clients, particularly during late-night shifts and along secluded routes. Because of these distinct threats, he asserted that robust defenses and more rigorous safety standards are non-negotiable.
Furthermore, Villar called on law enforcement bodies to accelerate their investigations into the recent fatalities to ensure the perpetrators face the full force of the law.
”Ang mensahe ay dapat malinaw: walang puwang ang karahasan laban sa mga naghahanapbuhay. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga responsable, at kasabay nito ay isusulong natin ang mga repormang magbibigay ng tunay at pangmatagalang proteksyon sa ating mga TNVS riders at sa riding public,” Villar concluded.