MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will appeal the 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by a Quezon City court suspending the implementation of its regulations requiring bus operators to install a global positioning system (GPS) device in all their units.
LTFRB Chairman Winston Ginez said yesterday they would ask Judge Marilou Runes-Tamang of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 to reconsider its order stopping the agency’s GPS program.
Ginez maintained that the LTFRB could issue regulations requiring bus companies to equip their units with GPS.
“We will point out in the motion for reconsideration that there is evidence that the installation of GPS devices in public transport vehicles promotes the safety of passengers,” he said.
Ginez noted that the GPS tracking of buses helps contribute to passenger convenience since it helps the LTFRB release information on bus operations in real time.
The GPS tracking also enables the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation and Communications to monitor passenger buses plying Metro Manila streets, Ginez said.
Last Monday, the court granted the petition filed by the Nagkakaisang Samahan ng mga Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas (formerly known as the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines or PBOAP) to stop the implementation of the GPS program.
The group’s executive director, Alex Yague, said they are opposing the LTFRB’s order because there is a similar measure pending in Congress.
“Congress needs more time to study the measure if it indeed would benefit the riding public. Congress is not keen on requiring bus operators to install GPS devices because of their high cost,” Yague told reporters.