Special permitsto bus companies

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 has given 119 special permits to bus companies to help them to cope with the rising demand for more trips to accommodate passengers wanting to go home for the Holy Week break.

LTFRB 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said the special permits allow bus companies to operate even outside their franchise areas to accommodate more passengers. The special permits, however, will expire after the Holy Week.

To ensure road safety, LTFRB is working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 in inspecting buses for road worthiness. As part of its road safety program, LTO 7 is conducting lectures at bus terminals to remind drivers of their responsibilities. 

“Drivers should know that lives of hundreds of people depend on them. Passengers expect that when they ride any public utility transport, they are brought safely to their destinations,” Aguilos said.

Aside from this, random drug tests are also being conducted. At least 21 drivers will not be able to earn a living for the rest of the Holy Week after they were found to be positive of using drugs during the random tests in Talisay City and Lapu-Lapu City. Five of the drivers were found positive last week – two taxi drivers, two jeepney drivers and one bus driver. The other day, 16 more bus drivers were found positive of using drugs.

LTO 7 Director Raul Aguilos said earlier the findings will be subjected to confirmatory tests and those who will be confirmed to be using drugs will have their licenses suspended. At the Mactan Cebu International Airport, help desks have been put up to assist passengers on any possible queries or concerns. 

“We are on red alert status since March 29 until April 11 because of the holidays,” said Mary Ann Dimabayao, MCIA public affairs manager. 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District of Cebu is also strictly monitoring vessels to ensure they comply with policies, especially on passenger capacity, as overloading could be a source of accidents. 

As early as Wednesday last week, the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) established 103 public assistance centers in strategic areas such as Roll-on, Roll-off (RORO) terminals and at the 85 churches listed as tourist spots in the province. — (FREEMAN)