246 drivers flagged down for breaking social distancing rule

CEBU, Philippines —  The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 assessed that only around three percent of public utility vehicles in Cebu have violated the social distancing protocol in a bid to stop the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We have observed nga gamay na lang ang wa nituman pero padayon gihapon ang pagdakop sa mga  violators ,” said LTFRB-7 Director Eduardo Montealto Jr. yesterday.

All in all, traffic authorities have flagged down a total of 246 violators.

Montealto said that as of yesterday, March 24, they have apprehended a total of 82 drivers of public utility vehicles who violated the social distancing protocol while Land Transportation Office-7 Director Victor Caindec said that their agency has also apprehended 164 driver-violators so far.

Montealto said that of the 82 drivers, five were V-hire drivers (apprehended for overcharging), one a UV Express driver (also overcharging), while three bus drivers and 73 jeepney drivers violated the social distancing protocol.

Both regional directors have been calling all drivers to observe and follow the social distancing protocol.

“Akong panawagan sa atong mga drivers nga motuman lang gyud ta sa social distancing kay para sa kaayuhan ra man sad ni sa tanan aron dili ni mokatag ang COVID-19,” said Montealto.

Montealto reiterated that violators will be fined P5,000 for the first offense; P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third offense, plus suspension of certificate of public convenience for 30 days.

Caindec, for his part, said LTO-7 has been conducting moving law enforcement operations from Cebu City to Talisay City and other parts of Cebu to strictly implement the social distancing as ordered by the Department of Transportation to avoid the spread and threat of the deadly virus.  JMD (FREEMAN)