Despite pending review LTO-7: Controversial order not suspended

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office-7 continues to implement the controversial administrative order which provides stiffer penalties for traffic violations despite a pending review.

LTO-7 Director Arnel Tancinco said the penalties under the Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 remain in effect.

“I just want to clarify nga padayon ang implementasyon sa JAO 2014-01 bisan pending pa ang review. We have not received any directive from our head office nga ihunong ang implementasyon,” Tancinco said.

Romeo Armamento, national vice president for Central Visayas of the National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Union, complained why some vehicles were impounded by LTO personnel because it did not have speedometer and handbrakes.

“Abi man gud namo nga dili mo-impound ang LTO sa mga sakyanan pending review sa JAO 214-01,” said Armamento, who is also the president of the Mandaue United Drivers Association.

Tancinco said they have impounded at least six vehicles having defective parts and accessories based on the provisions of the controversial order.

Last month, officials from LTO and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board together with the various transport leaders in Cebu held a “transport dialogue” to address concerns of the transport sector.

Transportation officials promised to come up with a decision on the concerns of the operators and drivers before October 17 this year.

The controversial administrative order aims to instill discipline especially among drivers of public utility vehicles, prevent road accidents, ease the perennial traffic jams, and clamp down on unregistered or “colorum” vehicles, among others.

It was jointly implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication, LTO, and LTFRB starting July 19.

The order contains the revised schedule of fines and penalties for violation of laws, rules and regulations governing land transportation.— (FREEMAN)