Another group questions MMDA transport scheme

MANILA, Philippines - A new group has questioned before the Supreme Court (SC) the legality of the new Integrated Transport Terminals (ITT) scheme being implemented in Metro Manila.

In a 19-page petition filed yesterday, the Coalition of Filipino Consumers (CFC) asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order stopping the new policy that prevents provincial public utility buses entering via the Coastal Road or Manila-Cavite Expressway from going beyond the Southwest Interim Transport Terminal at the Coastal Mall in Baclaran, Parañaque City.

They also asked the SC to declare as unconstitutional Administrative Order 40 pursuant to Executive Order 67, both signed by President Aquino, and Memorandum Circular 2013-004, which were issued to implement the new transport system.

CFC secretary-general Perfecto Jaime Tagalog said these issuances are unconstitutional because they were issued without prior notice and a public hearing.

The group said the transport scheme resulted in additional financial burden for commuters.

Earlier, a group of commuters from Cavite led by Panita Ladera and Dolores Salanga also filed a similar petition before the SC questioning the legality of the ITT system.