PU drivers in illegal terminals warned

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. has ordered the suspension of licenses of public utility drivers involved in the operation of illegal terminals.

In a press conference yesterday, Abalos said the order was specified in a memorandum he issued to all of the traffic enforcers in Metro Manila.

The move is in line with the MMDA campaign to eliminate illegal terminals and sidewalk vendors in Metro Manila, he said.

Abalos explained that the licenses of the erring drivers would be suspended for three months or may even be revoked.

Executive Director for Traffic Ernesto Camarillo added that licenses may even be revoked upon the discretion of the MMDA based on the gravity of offenses committed by PU drivers .

Camarillo explained that while MMDA’s jurisdiction is limited to the confiscation of drivers’ licenses, it may also recommend the revocation of the certificate of public conveyance of the public utility vehicle involved to the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board.

He, however, admitted that local government officials have the sole authority to sanction persons operating illegal terminals.

Meanwhile, the MMDA announced the exclusion of public utility buses from the unified vehicular volume reduction program or the so-called color-coding scheme.

Abalos said the exemption order was issued two weeks ago. He explained that the buses should be exempted from the scheme so as not to affect the movement of the ordinary workers.

Prior to Abalos’ order, all types of motor vehicles were subjected to the UVVRP as part of the effort of the MMDA to improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila. – Marvin Sy