LTFRB installs help desks in malls vs erring PUV drivers

MANILA, Philippines - As the Holidays draw near, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will start putting up help desks in shopping malls in an effort to intensify this year's "Oplan Isnabero" against erring public utility drivers.

"Maglalagay na po kami ng help desk sa mga malls at maglalagay ho kasi ng tao doon na kungsaan kapag may nangyari na ganito: ayaw isakay o binaba pagkatapos silang isakay ay pwede kaagad mag-file ng complaint at ipapatawag ho natin," LTFRB chairman Winston Ginez said.

Ginez said that passengers should immediately get the plate number of the taxi who refused to give them a ride and immediately report to the help desks.

He said that the LTFRB will immediately summon the driver and the operator of the taxi involved.

Ginez, however, urged the complaining party to attend the hearings that will be set by the LTFRB.

"Pakiusap lang po namin dun sa mga nagku-complain na kailangan po nilang dumalo sa aming ipapatawag na hearing para mabigyan naman po ng pagkakataon yung kabila, yung operator at driver na sumagot. Ganun din po kasi ang ating due process," he said.

"Mahirap po naman tayo na magtanggal ng isang prangkisa sa pamamagitan ng isang Facebook post," Ginez said.

Aside from the help desk, the LTFRB will also launch a call center type of commuter assistance, where they will be able to receive complaints on a 24/7 basis.

"This will be manned by agents. Parang call center type po ito. Siguradong makakatanggap tayo kahit sabay-sabay na tawag at meron pong sasagot sa inyo. Sigurado yan po ang aming sinisiguro ngayon sa paglulunsad ng mas malakas ng Oplan Isnabero," Ginez said.

Those drivers who would be found guilty of non-conveyance of passengers will get a P6,000 fine in the first offense and a suspension of three months on the second offense. The third offense has an equivalent punishment of cancellation of franchise.