LTFRB, transport officials meet on controversial order

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board have called for a “transport dialogue” with the transportation leaders in Cebu to discuss the controversial administrative order imposing stiffer penalties for traffic violations.

LTFRB-7 director Ahmed Cuizon said the dialogue will be held today at the MIP lounge of the Mactan Cebu International Airport. Cuizon said at least 12 leaders of various transport groups in Cebu will meet with LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez and two other LTFRB board members.

Ryan Benjamin Yu, chairman and general manager of Cebu Integrated Transport Cooperative, said that they will listen on what LTFRB officials have to say on their issues against the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

“Maminaw lang mi unsa ang ika sulti sa LTFRB chairman sa among mga issues,” said Yu.

The implementation of the order starting July 19 was met with strong opposition from the transport sector because of the confiscatory nature of the penalties and some of the provisions are considered against the interest of the operators.

In fact, the transport sector in Cebu earlier scheduled a two-day transport strike in protest of the order. It was, however, called off after transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya ordered the review of the controversial policy.

The order was jointly implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication, LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office.

Romeo Armamento, national vice president for Visayas of the National Confederation of Transportworkers Union, has submitted their position papers to Cuizon.

Armamento said that one of their suggestions during the JAO review is for the reduction of traffic fines and penalties as well as the penalty being imposed against operators, whose drivers are at fault.   (FREEMAN)