BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The moratorium on the apprehension of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJ) here has been extended ahead of the initial deadline today, Nov. 23.
According to Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, an agreement was made after a meeting with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Representatives of traditional PUJ operators, meanwhile, agreed not to hold a transport strike.
The moratorium allows for freeing up the transfer plans as well as preparing the exact and complete details needed to address the concerns of traditional PUJ operators.
Traditional PUJ operators also seemed to have softened their stance over the government’s transport modernization program and will agree to upgrade to the modern version of the PUJ under the condition that they can operate as sole proprietors instead of joining a cooperative or a corporation.
The group has also been demanding a cheaper version of the modernized PUJs.
Despite the development, some traditional PUJ operators, such as those led by transport leader Diego Malacad, are still threatening to go on strike today as they are not satisfied with the outcome of the talks.
According to Malacad, they have already informed the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), the Diocese of Bacolod’s Social Action Center, and the various schools, colleges, and universities in the city to prepare.
“Kung wala [concrete] assurance nga indi kami pagdakpon, then effective at 12 midnight ma-untat na kami biyahe, kay indi namon pag i-dare ang P300 nga income sa P120,000 nga multa,” Malacad said.
Earlier, Malacad accused the local LTO and LTFRB of “isolation and bullying”, pointing out that under Republic Act (RA) 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as well as RA 11494 or the Bayanihan Law and the resolution released by the LTFRB central office, all traditional PUJs can still operate until September 2023.
Various traditional PUJ operators and drivers in the city also camped out earlier this month outside the Bacolod City Government Center after the LTO and LTFRB began apprehending PUJs that were operating with either incomplete or expired franchise documents.
The LTO in Bacolod, meanwhile, said that they will stop apprehending PUJs operating with expired franchise permits, however they will still operate and penalize any PUJs that are traveling in the streets without an “OR/CR.”
Unregistered vehicles can face fines of up to P20,000./PN
