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DESPITE the stern warning issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) against traditional jeepneys from plying public roads, drivers hinted at taking the risk if only to ensure that their families would not die of hunger.
“Kaysa naman tumambay kami, kaysa naman magutom dito,” says a jeepney driver in a report aired over GMA News Channel.
“Pag may nanghuhuli hihinto kami. Pero pag umalis sila, doon kami bibiyahe para makaipon ng pangkain din.”
LTFRB earlier announced a crackdown against “uncolidated” jeepney units which they aptly referred to as colorum after the April 30 deadline for PUV consolidation lapsed.
According to LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III, unconsolidated jeepney drivers found still plying routes starting May 16 would be slapped with a P10,000 fine, while unconsolidated units will be impounded and penalized P50,000 – on top of being impounded.
“Pwede na kaming mag-flag down bukas, and pwede na po kaming manghuli at mag-ticket po ng mga driver at sasakyan. Huwag na po bumiyahe ang mga hindi pa po nag-consolidate,” Guadiz said yesterday.
PUV drivers were earlier told to display documents as proof of consolidation.
However, Manibela transport group chair Mar Valbuena raised doubt on the legality of the crackdown against unconsolidated units in view of a pending legal battle. (ANGEL F. JOSE)
