Protesting Cavite bus drivers face charges - MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - The bus drivers in Cavite province who prevented others to ferry passengers to the Southwest Integrated Provincial Terminal (SIPT) in Pasay City will face administrative charges, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday.

"Since bus operations is imbued with public interest, the striking bus operators are liable to the public and to the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board," MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said.

The bus operators and drivers could face revocation of their franchises for abandonment of route and for non-conveyance of passengers before the LTFRB and Land Transportation Office, the MMDA said.

He said the MMDA received reports that several protesting bus drivers and operators blocked buses in Imus and Bacoor towns that were bound for the SIPT.

"The bus terminal was established to smooth out the operation of legitimate public utility buses plying the Cavite-Batangas-Manila route. The project was a result of years of careful study to provide commuters and the bus drivers the maximum convenience and comfort in using such a transport facility," Tolentino said.

"No stone is left unturned to ensure the convenience of commuters and bus operators get their fair share in earnings. The use of the terminal is free of charge," he added.

Tolentino has filed a petition before the LTFRB to lower the fares for buses plying the Cavite-Batangas-Manila route.

"The MMDA will continue with the resolve we have initiated. We have to place order, sanity, and discipline in our chaotic public transport system," he said.