By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The moratorium on the apprehension of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in Bacolod City has been extended, ahead of its initial deadline today.
According to Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez, the agreement was made after he met with the representatives of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
The moratorium will allow transfer plans and prepare the exact and complete details needed to address the concerns of the traditional PUJ operators.
Meanwhile, the LTO in Bacolod said that they will stop apprehending operators of PUJs with expired franchise permits, and penalize PUJs that are plying the streets without a Certificate of Registration/Official Receipt from the LTO.
Operators of unregistered vehicles can face fines of up to P20,000.
On the other hand, traditional PUJ operators have agreed not to conduct a transport strike.
They also seemed to have softened their stance on the LTFRB’s transport modernization program, wherein they will agree to upgrade to the modern version of the PUJ, but under the condition that they can operate as sole proprietors instead of joining a cooperative or a corporation.
The group has also been demanding a cheaper version of the modernized PUJs.
Despite the development, some traditional PUJ operators, such as those led by transport leader Diego Malacad of the United Negros Drivers and Operators, are still threatening to go on strike today as they are not satisfied with the outcome of the talks.
According to Malacad, they have already informed the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Diocese of Bacolod’s Social Action Center, and the various schools, colleges, and universities in the city to prepare for the transport strike.
“Kun wala [concrete] assurance nga indi kami pagdakpon, then effective at 12:00 midnight ma-untat na kami biyahe, kay indi namon pag-i-dare ang P300 nga income sa P120,000 nga multa,” Malacad said.
Earlier, he accused the local LTO and LTFRB offices of “isolation and bullying,” pointing out that under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, Bayanihan Law, and a resolution released by the LTFRB Central Office, all traditional PUJs can still operate until September 2023./DGB, WDJ