Some sixteen “barkers” won’t be barking any time soon.

They were apprehended and issued warnings by the Public Order and Safety Office last Thursday for violating a city ordinance prohibiting anyone to call passengers to board a particular jeepney whether it’s in designated loading and unloading area in the city.

 City Ordinance No. 1849-2005 that bans any person, individual or street child who entices passengers of public utility vehicles at any designated loading and unloading points. It allows only persons in uniform or the legitimate conductors of public utility vehicles to assist passengers within or near any loading and unloading area.

According to Robert Erfe Mejia, POSO chief, the arrests were made after receiving numerous complaints from drivers and operators regarding the presence of the ‘barkers’  who have not only harassed drivers but threatened them as well if  they fail to pay for their “services”.

 Commuters have also complained of the rudeness of the “barkers” who practically force them to board waiting jeepneys.

 On many occasions, the barkers obstruct traffic by standing in the middle of the road watching out for prospective passengers.

However, the POSO learned that some drivers have been tolerating the “barkers”, just to speed up loading of their jeepneys. This was confirmed by the arrested “barkers”.

However, Mejia said the arrested “barkers” were eventually released with no charges filed against them and were simply warned of subsequent filing of charges if they should be caught violating the city ordinance again.

The barkers were urged to apply instead as parking attendants as soon as the pay-parking ordinance of the city is implemented. – AQL

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