LTO-Bais City waiting for directive to implement new penalty fees

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office's district in Bais City, Negros Oriental on Monday was still waiting for further directive from its higher office on the implementation of the new order increasing the penalty fees for colorum vehicles.

LTO-Bais District Office chief Janine Lawas said her office has received word that Joint Administrative Order  No. 2014-01of the LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board had some revisions, such that the scheduled implementation on June 19 is still uncertain.

The order had attracted public reaction, particularly from transport groups, following the announcement of a P1-million fine for colorum buses, and increased fines for various violations under Republic Act 4136 (The Land Transportation Code of the Philippines) and the LTFRB's rules and regulations, Lawas said.

Lawas said her office, which already got a copy of the order's implementing rules and regulations, has no choice but to implement the order, as soon as the LTO regional office or other superiors will give her the go-signal.

Reacting to public criticism against the order, Lawas said a thorough study was done before it was issued. She added that this was done as a deterrent to illegal vehicles plying unauthorized routes anywhere in the country.

She encouraged the public to report to her office or to any LTO district office any deputized traffic enforcer engaged in corrupt practices.

Lawas admitted though it would be a bit difficult for LTO to implement the order, considering they are in the frontlines in the implementation of traffic laws, as she foresaw negative responses from those to be affected by it. — (FREEMAN)