LTFRB says transport operators who will hold strikes will face sanctions

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The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned transport operators on Sunday that their franchises could be compromised if most of their fleets won’t operate amid planned transport strikes.

LTFRB acting chairman Greg Pua Jr. said that operators may be issued with a show-cause order and fined with P5,000 for first offense if they failed to operate as provided in their franchises.

“Actually, nakalagay ‘yan sa kanilang prangkisa na huwag matigil 'yung pagbibigay serbisyo nila. Shino-show cause natin ‘yan at ang minimum po diyan ay P5,000 sa first offense,” he told Super Radyo dzBB.

(Actually, it is stipulated in their franchise that their service must not be interrupted. We issue them a show-cause order, and the minimum fine for that is P5,000 for the first offense.)

He further warned that second and third offenses may warrant suspension and cancellation of franchises, respectively.

“Mayroon tayong rules on abandonment na kung ikaw ay hindi tumakbo, kung ikaw ay fleet, kung ikaw ay less than 60% ang tumatakbo for a certain period of time, your franchise will be deemed abandoned at kakaselahin ng gobyerno,” he said.

(We have rules on abandonment—if you fail to operate, and if you are a fleet operator where less than 60% of your units are running for a certain period of time, your franchise will be deemed abandoned and canceled by the government.)

Manibela is set to hold a transport strike from September 28 to 30, while PISTON will stage protests from September 29 to 30.

The strikes coincide with the first day of the fare increase for public utility vehicles. Under the new rates approved by the LTFRB, the minimum fare for ordinary jeepneys will increase from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers. The fare for every succeeding kilometer will rise to P2.

For modern public utility jeepneys, the minimum fare will increase to P17, with an additional P2.40 for every succeeding kilometer.

Bus fares are also expected to go up. Meanwhile, taxis and UV Express services will also implement provisional fare increases starting Monday.

The fare increase is in response to the rising fuel prices that have been hurting drivers and operators.

The LTFRB said that it is in constant talks with transport groups regarding their concerns.

“Very open naman po tayo diyan… Lagi naman nakitang pinapakinggan 'yung kanilang hinaing na kung ano pa ang maitutulong ng gobyerno sa hanay ng transportasyon,” said Pua.

(We are very open to dialogue on that matter... We consistently listen to their concerns to see what further assistance the government can extend to the transport sector.)

However, estimates showed that fuel prices may roll back on September 29 following weeks of price hikes. —KG, GMA News