LTO starts roadside inspections

CEBU, Philippines - In preparation for the Lenten season, the Land Transportation Office has started yesterday the roadside inspections to secure travelers.

LTO-7 operations division chief, Joey Maloloy-on, said the office already coordinated with other agencies of the government especially the law enforcers.

Maloloy-on said they issued memorandum to all district and extension offices for them to augment their force to conduct law enforcement operations starting yesterday until April 21.

“So, ang LTO gyod panghingusgan gyod nato ang mga wala gyo’y disgrasya ug kakulian during that time sa atong semana santa,” he added.

He assured they have enough personnel to perform the road inspection and to ensure that laws and regulations regarding land transportation are strictly followed.

“Hopefully, ang mga drivers and operators, nga mo-respond gyod sa atong call kay mao gyod ni atong gustong mahitabo, nga zero accident during sa pagsaulog sa Semana Santa,” Maloloy-on said.

The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board is now accepting applicants for special permit to allow buses to carry out passengers outside their routes.

Acting LTFRB Transportation Development Officer Reynaldo Elnar said only Ceres Bus Lines has applied but was nullified because of deficiency of documents.

“Nag-file na sila (Ceres) pero akong gibalik kay kuwang og mga documents, tingale karong semanaha or Monday ma-release na ilang special permit,” he said.

Elnar stressed the duration of the special permits would only last until nine days upon issuance.

“Mga requirements, pareha anang ilang franchise, rehistro, insurance, mao na ang mga importante lang,” he said.

Further, he said personnel from LTFRB would station in the terminals to entertain on-the-spot applicants on April 16.

“Naa pod mi inig April 15, maglibot-libot mi sa mga terminal, tan-awn namo ang mga sitwasyon sa terminal, tan-awn nato ang mga requirements nga gipangdala sa atong mga sakyanan kon kompleto ba ni siya, unya pag 16, atong i-recheck kon na-comply ba nila ang mga defiency,” Elnar said adding they would also alert “colorum” vehicles.

“Bahala’g daghan ang mga pasahero, dili lang gyod unta ta mo-operate as colorum para pag-protektar sa atong mga pasahero,” said Elnar.

Meanwhile, Maloloy-on said they are waiting for directives from the LTO central office regarding the drug testing.

“Gi-consider gyod nato nga naa’y drug test during that time, mao na nga ang ato lang is naghuwat lang gyod ta og directive sa atong LTO central office, what will be the process sa pag-conduct nato og drug testing sa road side,” he added.

He said law enforcers would be stationed at bus terminals, sea ports and airport to assist the passengers. (FREEMAN)