PUV operators warned vs planned strike

MANILA, Philippines - Operators of public utility vehicles participating in the planned transport holiday tomorrow could face sanctions, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned yesterday.

LTFRB chief Winston Ginez said participation in transport strikes could be punished by cancellation or suspension of franchise under the Public Service Act.

Ginez noted that in the past, the board had imposed sanctions on operators of public utility vehicles for participating in protest actions that led to paralyzation of the transport services.

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) on Friday announced it will hold a “nationally coordinated” transport strike to dramatize its opposition to the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 issued by the LTFRB and Land Transportation Office.

The group is calling on President Aquino and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to scrap the implementation of the order, which imposes higher fines on traffic violations and colorum operation.

PISTON head George San Mateo described the joint administrative order as a “money-making” scheme of the government.

The order is being reviewed by the DOTC following complaints from transport groups regarding the high penalties on franchise-related violations.

Members of PISTON in Region 10 will join the transport strike in Cagayan de Oro City from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow.

The group is demanding a P6 oil price rollback and scrapping of the oil deregulation law.

Drivers also slammed the steeper fines imposed on traffic violations.

The order imposes fines of P3,000 for driving without a license and up to P10,000 for reckless driving.

The group said higher penalties are not the solution to the worsening traffic problems.  – With Gerry Lee Gorit