By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga 

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Bacolod City denied reports that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had issued a declaration to target public utility jeepneys (PUJs) which had not renewed or lacked complete documents with regards to their franchise.

This comes after the LTO conducted operations in various parts of the city yesterday to apprehend erring drivers.

LTO-Bacolod chief Renato Novero said it was the city government which issued the announcement on Sunday, November 6, that the LTFRB, LTO, and the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office would apprehend PUJs which are not registered and do not have permits.

Novero admitted that the LTO is becoming stricter when it comes to apprehending PUJs with no franchise, pointing out that operating a PUJ without a franchise is against the law.

Hundreds of PUJ operators in Bacolod City, mostly those using the older units, stopped operating yesterday morning due to fears that they may face massive fines if they are apprehended.

Aside from the fines, PUJ operators are also concerned that their units may be impounded and the apprehended driver’s license may also be suspended for at least one year./DGB, WDJ