Moratorium on traditional PUJ apprehensions extended

Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the moratorium on the apprehension of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJ) in the city is being extended, ahead of today’s deadline.

According to Benitez, the extension was reached after today’s meeting with the representatives of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Representatives from the traditional PUJ operators, meanwhile, have agreed not to conduct a transport strike.

The moratorium will allow to free up the transfer plans, as well as prepare the exact and complete details needed in order to address the concerns of the traditional PUJ operators.

The traditional PUJ operators also seemed to have softened their stance over 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, however, some traditional PUJ operators such as those led by transport leader Diego Malacad 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 (MBCCI), the Diocese of Bacolod’s Social Action Center, and the various schools, colleges, and universities in the city to prepare.

“Kung wala [concrete] assurance nga indi kami pag dakpon, then effective at 12 midnight ma untat na kami biyahe, kay indi namun pag i-dare ang P300 nga income sa P120,000 nga multa,” Malacad said.

Earlier, Malacad accused the local LTO and LTFRB of “isolation and bullying”, pointing out that under Republic Act (RA) 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as well as RA 11494 of the Bayanihan Law and the resolution released by the LTFRB central office, all traditional PUJs can still operate until September 2023.

Various traditional PUJ operators and drivers in the city have also camped out earlier this month outside the Bacolod City Government Center after the LTO and LTFRB began apprehending PUJs which are operating with either incomplete or expired franchise documents.

The LTO in Bacolod, meanwhile, said that they will stop apprehending PUJs operating with expired franchise permits, although they will still operate and penalize any PUJs that are traveling in the streets without an “OR/CR.”

Unregistered vehicles can face fines of up to P20,000.* (DGB)