BACOLO City – “Don’t test my patience. I will be very strict with violators, those joining the transport strike.”
This warning came from Director Richard Osmeña of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Western Visayas.
Franchises of striking jeepney operators and drivers would be cancelled, he said.
Today’s nationally-coordinated transport strike is a protest against the phase out of old jeepneys.
“Mark my word. I will automatically replace you with modern public utility vehicles (PUV). It’s that simple. Take it or leave it. If you do not want to modernize your jeepney units, there are others who have the capacity to ply your routes,” said Osmeña.
According to the director, the jeepney franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) is a privilege granted by the government.
The CPC carries with it terms, conditions and prohibitions which the operator of a PUV is bound to follow, stressed Osmeña.
One of the prohibitions is for the operator not to join transport strikes.
Osmeña said the CPC may be revoked if the operator violates any of the conditions.
“Let us not punish the riding public. If you have something against the government, there are other ways to express it,” he stressed.
Sentrong Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Negros secretary-general Jessie Ortega belittled Osmeña’s threat.
LTFRB suspending or revoking jeepney franchises would spur more trouble, he said, pointing out that many rely on jeepneys.
The jeepney started as remodeled army vehicles left behind by US forces after World War II, and became a showcase of Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness. Mainly patronized by low- to middle-income passengers, it has become the core of Philippine public transport.
“I have to do my job,” said Osmeña. “I will do what is mandated of me, cancel franchises. No one is above the law.”
Today’s strike starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m./PN
