Lacson: Happier Christmas for drivers with no ‘kotong’ cops

Lacson: Happier Christmas for drivers with no ‘kotong’ cops

Public utility vehicle drivers of all types can experience a merrier Christmas once “kotong” (bribe-seeking) cops are removed from the streets, as proven by Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson himself.

Following his meeting with tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODA) in General Trias, Cavite on Friday, Lacson recounted how he was once invited to a Christmas party of jeepney drivers and operators in Tondo, Manila out of their gratitude for his clearing the streets of “kotong” cops when he was still chief of the Philippine National Police.

“So, siyempre, ako nakilala naman ako ‘nung ako ‘yung Chief PNP—pareho rin ni General Eleazar—nawala ‘yung kotong sa kalsada. So, apektado ‘yung buong jeepney drivers, bus drivers. Talagang hinigpitan namin,” the longtime public servant said in Partido Reporma’s “Online Kumustahan” at the General Trias Sports Park.

[As you know, I became well-known when I was Chief PNP – like General Eleazar – and we got rid of ‘kotong’ on the streets. All the jeepney drivers, bus drivers were most affected. We really tightened up on them (‘kotong’ cops).]

“Kasama ko noon si General Eleazar sa kampanya—nawala. Talagang natutuwa ‘yung mga tsuper. Katunayan, kausap ko ‘yung Pasang Masda saka ‘yung FEJODAP noong, I think, December 2000. Iniimbita ako mag-Christmas party ng mga tsuper sa Tondo,” the veteran lawmaker added, mentioning Partido Reporma senatorial candidate Guillermo Eleazar, who was then a police major, and big transport groups.

[I was with General Eleazar in that campaign – and we got rid of them (‘kotong’ cops). The drivers were really happy with us. In fact, I was talking to Pasang Masda and FEJODAP in, I think, December 2000. They were inviting me to a Christmas party for drivers in Tondo.]

“General, sabi sa akin, baka pwedeng dumalo kayo sa aming Christmas party… (naging) masayang Christmas party dahil nawala ‘yung kotong, nakatipid ‘yung aming mga tsuper. Alam niyo ba kung magkano? Aabot daw ng mga P300 a day ang kanilang na-sa-save dahil nawala ‘yung kotong sa kalsada,” Lacson narrated.

[General, they said, maybe you can come to our Christmas party?… It was a happy Christmas party because we got rid of ‘kotong’ and the drivers saved their earnings. You know how much? Their savings reached up to Php300 a day because ‘kotong’ on the streets disappeared.]

Lacson, a proud son of a jeepney driver himself, made his second stop in his native Cavite province on the “Online Kumustahan” series with running mate Vicente Sotto III, fellow former PNP chief Eleazar, and senatorial candidates Raffy Tulfo and Dr. Minguita Padilla.

Welcoming the Partido Reporma bets were General Trias Mayor Ony Ferrer, Cavite Rep. Jonjon Ferrer, and other local officials and party supporters.

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