LTFRB bans beggars on commuter buses

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered yesterday the strict implementation of the ban on beggars on board passenger buses and jeepneys.

LTFRB chairman Thompson Lantion said as the Christmas season approaches, several complaints have reached his office that people are trying to make money by soliciting from passengers and drivers of commuter buses and jeepneys.

Lantion said, based on existing laws, all kinds of solicitation on the roads are prohibited under the Anti-Mendicants Law.

"Bawal po ang mga solicitations sa mga pampublikong sasakyan. Isumbong po sana natin ang mga ito sa mga awtoridad upang ito ay matigil (All kinds of solicitations are banned in public utility vehicles. We will report all people who are soliciting to proper authorities in order to stop them from further doing these)," Lantion said.

Some people reportedly board buses and jeepneys, sing Christmas songs, recite Bible verses or even tell stories about their financial difficulties, then ask for donations from passengers and drivers.

Lantion, who is also the spokesman of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), urged commuter vehicle drivers to report to authorities if they receive fake coins as payment for fares.

Lantion said jeepney and bus drivers or their transport organizations should immediately report to the LTFRB if they receive fake coins in order that authorities could track where the fake money is coming from.

"Umaapela po tayo sa mga transport groups at mga drivers, i-report po natin sa mga awtoridad kapag tayo ay nakatanggap ng mga pekeng barya. Para po malaman natin kung saan nanggagaling ang mga ito at nang mahuli ang mga manufacturers," said Lantion.

Circulating fake money is strictly prohibited by law, Lantion said

Lantion also urged the public that if they receive any fake money, report these incidents to the DOTC’s 24-hour Action Center hotline number 7890.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the authority handling fake money in circulation.

But, the DOTC said that they could assist anyone who would be receiving these fake money.