Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) — The local government of Manila is looking to suspend jeepneys assigned to the Baclaran-Divisoria route to address trip-cutting in the area, the mayor said Tuesday.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said he will no longer tolerate jeepneys cutting trips short before passengers reach their destination. The mayor said his government will file a formal complaint to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to suspend the franchise. However, jeeps under a different designated line may still pass the area, Moreno clarified.
Jeepney drivers earlier explained they were cutting trips because the roads were too narrow. However, since the mayor’s cleaning operations around the city began, he said he no longer accepts that as an excuse. He added that until now they continue to catch jeepney drivers cutting trips, especially those from the Baclaran-Divisoria line.
“Noong araw maaaring hindi ko kayo masisi. Kailangang walang kalye, but katulad ngayon, bukas na ang Juan Luna-Binondo, Juan Luna,-Tondo, Recto, Solaire,” Moreno argued during a press conference. “These are the backbone of our Divisoria roads and still you continue. Masyado niyong inaabuso ‘yung mga kababayang mahihirap lalo na ‘yung matanda.”
[Translation: Back then, I may not have blamed you because there were no roads, but now, the streets of Juan Luna-Binondo, Juan Luna-Tondo, Recto, Solaire are open. These are the (backbones) of our Divisoria roads and still you continue. You are abusing our poor citizens too much, especially the elderly.]
Moreno said he will also consider extending the suspension to other public utility vehicles and areas if necessary.
LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra, who was present during the conference, said they will hear the city’s concern.
“We welcome to partner and in fact, we’ll accept whatever complaints the city will file against any and all public utility jeepneys kahit na anuman, pwede UV Express or taxi na pupunta dito sa Metro Manila na nagti-trip cutting [any including UX Express or taxi passing Metro Manila and cutting trips], “ Delgra said.
The chair said they impose monetary penalties and suspension gradually per offense. The first offense warrants a 5,000-peso fine, followed by a 10,000 peso-penalty and a 15,000-peso penalty and suspension. The agency cancels the franchise on the fourth offense.
