LTFRB welcomes SC ruling on fixed income for drivers

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) ruling that affirmed a fixed salary rate for bus drivers and conductors is a welcome development for the whole transport industry, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

LTFRB member Aileen Lizada said the ruling, which upholds the agency’s memorandum that links franchise regulations to labor standards, would benefit employees of public utility buses as well as commuters. 

“The SC ruling is very much welcome. It strengthens the track of the LTFRB to provide safe and convenient rides to the public,” she said. 

Lizada said they are moving towards providing the same fixed salary rate scheme for all sectors of the transport industry under the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines under the transport modernization program of the government. 

The LTFRB under its Memorandum Circular No. 2012-01 requires all PUB operators to secure a Labor Standards Compliance Certificate from the Department of Labor and Employment.

Failure of the PUB operators to secure the Labor Standard Certificates could be ground for the immediate cancellation or revocation of their franchises or their certificates of public convenience.