Transport tripartite committee pushed

CEBU, Philippines - A transport leader has suggested the creation of a tripartite committee to address conflict between government and transport sector every time a new law affecting the latter is to be implemented.

Romeo Armamento, vice president of the National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Union-Central Visayas, made the suggestion following the controversy created in the implementation of the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, imposing stiffer penalties for traffic violators.

 “Ang among suggestion nga naa gyuy tripartite (committee) nga mugnaon aron malikayan ang sumpaki,” said Armamento.

The transport tripartite committee, Armamento said, should be composed of representatives from the transport sector, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the traffic agency of the local government unit.

“Ang among tumong ani nga sa dili pa ipatuman ang usa ka balaod, ordinansa, o memorandum circular, naa gyud konsultasyon para smooth ang implementation,” Armamento added.

He said they do not want a repeat of what had happened in the implementation of JAO.

“Sa pag-implement aning JAO, wa gyud gikonsulta ang transport sector ani, mao ni nga gubot gyud ni hangtud karon,” Armamento said.

Transport leaders in Cebu described the traffic fines under JAO to be excessive and oppressive and demanded it to be reduced.

The order aims to instill road discipline, especially among drivers of public utility vehicles, to prevent road accidents, ease the perennial traffic jams, and clampdown on unregistered or “colorum” vehicles, among others.

The order was jointly implemented by DOTC, LTO, and LTFRB starting July 19.  (FREEMAN)