The deadline to remove unconsolidated jeepneys from the roads takes effect today, May 16, and yet drivers and operators of the unconsolidated jeepneys have been waging protests against their phase out with “anti-poor” modern jeepneys and mini buses, that would make them obtain loans of P2.4 million each just to be able to continue plying their routes.
Come weekend or by early next week, must we anticipate chaos on the streets and protests getting more wild and violent? I doubt if the government would allow any violence to happen but I also doubt that the government, especially the President (whose votes came from the downtrodden and the unlettered) would let down his voters, who he wooed so hard to vote for him in 2022.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has warned that those that did not consolidate after the deadline would be treated as “colorum” and that those found still plying their routes by May 16 would be fined P10,000 while their units would be fined P50,000 and impounded for 30 days.
"Pwede na kaming mag-flag down bukas, and pwede na po kaming manghuli at mag-ticket po ng mga driver at sasakyan,” said LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III. “Huwag na po bumiyahe ang mga hindi pa po nag-consolidate."
The LTFRB said that all PUV drivers are required to display on their windshields their documents as proof of consolidation.
But transport group Manibela said that some unconsolidated jeepney drivers have yet to receive show-cause orders.
"Kung sakali na sasabihin na bibigyan lang muna at makakabiyahe pa kahit bukas...baka naman i-impound nila, gagawin nilang negosyo,” said Manibela chairperson Mar Valbuena.
"Hindi pa tayo dumadaan doon sa sinasabi nating hearing,” he added. “Paano po nila masasabi itong colorum kung pwede naman itong iapela?"
The LTFRB earlier said that traditional jeepneys are still allowed to operate for up to three years as long as they are still roadworthy.
Started in 2017, the modernization program aims to replace jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. It also aims to replace units that are not deemed roadworthy by the Land Transportation Office's standards.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #LTFRB #ModernJeepneys #MiniBuses #LTO