Transport group asks RFID fee refund

CEBU, Philippines - Two months after the Supreme Court barred the implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification by the Land Transportation Office, the Nagkahiusang Drayber sa Sugbo-PISTON is calling for the refund of those who had been forced to purchase RFID tags prior to the SC order.

 “The Supreme Court has clearly ordered a return to the situation prevailing before the implementation of the RFID project. In short, the high court has also ordered a refund,” said George San Mateo, secretary general of the Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide during a forum held yesterday.

“The SC’s order is stronger than a temporary restraining order”, added San Mateo.

Meanwhile, NADSU-PISTON Cebu Province chairman Roy Opura said that they invited LTO and Stradcom, a private firm and the contractor for RFID system to discuss more about RFID and what benefits they can get.

They also questioned RFID’s constitutionality and legality, saying it did not go through a public bidding and that its government proponents have exceeded their authority in imposing a new requirement for motor registration without new legislation.

NADSU secretary general Ruben Rama said that based on their list; around 50 operators here in Cebu paid the RFID tag that costs 350 pesos per unit and are waiting for a refund.

“Nalingla mi ani, sa higayon nga kon ipatuman ang RFID, dugang bayranan lang kini alang sa mga operator, apan labihang ma-apektuhan ang mga driver nga maoy mabuthan ani,” Rama said.

“Lisud na karon ang pagpamasahero kun kaniadto alas dos o kaha alas tres sa hapon makahipos na og ginansya ang mga driver apan karon bisan og alas nuwebe sa gabii wala pa matabla ang abang sa jeep ingon man sa krudo,” Rama added.

Last year, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, representing progressive party-lists Bayan Muna, Gabriela and Anakpawis and PISTON, filed a petition with the high court questioning the RFID project of the LTO. — Johanna T. Natavio/BRP(FREEMAN NEWS)