LTFRB: No franchising until LGU submits transport plan

CEBU, Philippines - There will be no franchise that will be issued for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) until the local government units concerned will be able to submit its Local Transport Plan needed for the Omnibus Franchise being drafted by the national government.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin Delgra said that each city or town is expected to submit its comprehensive local transport plan which will indicate new and existing routes among other details.

In a press conference, Delgra said that the submitted plan will be sent to Department of Transportation for review to make it consistent with the new guidelines for public transport.

The local plan will then be forwarded to the LTFRB for the issuance of franchising for buses, PUJs, and taxis.

LTFRB spokesperson and board member Aileen Lizada said the review will be "transparent and objective in the selection process" for those who want to apply for franchise.

She emphasized that franchising will be made by the LTFRB and no recommendations, nor endorsements, are to be made by the LGU.

The issuance of franchise has been stopped since 2004, said Delgra. He admitted that because of the moratorium, several colorum vehicles have sprouted.

With this at hand, he said that LGUs need to fast track the submission of transport plans.

No jeepney phase-out

Meanwhile, some members of the militant transport group, the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper Nationwide-Cebu (PISTON-Cebu) held another protest against jeepney phase-out despite assurances by Delgra.

"Walay jeepneys nga ma phase-out," said Delgra, who presided over the Visayas consultation on the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines held in Cebu yesterday.

Delgra said only jeepneys that are over 15 years old will be phased out and not the jeepney denomination.

Delgra explained that the phase-out of old jeepneys is part of the government's transportation modernization program.

Lizada also said it’s high time for jeepney drivers and operators to give their passengers a safe and reliable transportation.

"Supak mi ana ilang modernisasyon kay rehabilitasyon sa mga jeepneys among gusto," said Greg Perez, coordinator of PISTON-Cebu.

Perez said 99 percent of the jeepneys in Cebu will be off the streets if they will push through with phasing out jeepneys 15 years old and above.

To date, Cebu has over 11,000 jeepneys in operation, Perez said.

Perez further said that they do not believe that the government will allow them or help them secure loans from banks for the purchase of brand new jeepneys.

"Dili mi moto-o ana ilang sulti kay sa kadaghan nga tabangan sa gobyerno, imposible na ilang gisulti," Perez said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Dale G. Israel (FREEMAN)