Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 24) — A transport group on Friday said it wants to bring before the Supreme Court a regulatory deadline requiring membership in a group in line with the public utility vehicle modernization program.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) set a June 30 deadline for the so-called jeepney consolidation.
\”Sa ngayon po nagu-usap usap kami kung kakayanin po namin yung mabigat na bayarin sa Supreme Court sa pag-file ng TRO [temporary restraining order],\” Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
[Translation: We are currently discussing if we can afford the costs of filing a TRO before the Supreme Court.]
A number of groups along with Manibela are questioning the June 30 deadline set by the LTFRB for traditional jeepney franchise holders to join a consolidated entity as part of the government’s public utility modernization program.
Valbuena said they will appeal the deadline, calling it unrealistic.
\”Baka po ang nagmamadali at ang gusto lang mag-modernize ay ‘yun pong may mga negosyo po ng mga bagong units,\” Valbuena alleged. \”Baka po kapag natigil ito siguro po wala rin silang kikitain.\”
[Translation: Maybe the reason why they are rushing and the ones rushing the modernization are the producers of new units. Maybe if this will be halted, they will not earn anything.]
He said authorities should address fears of operators losing their franchise once they join a group. He noted some cases where a member of a corporation was removed by its officers without due process because they were against his grievances.
Valbuena said Manibela members tried to comply even before the deadline was set in June, but their applications are still pending.
\”Hindi po binigyan ng sapat ng panahon kasi nung panahon ng pandemic napakahaba ng pila at napakatagal rin po ng response ng LTFRB,\” he said.
[Translation: They were not given enough time because during the pandemic, lines were very long and LTFRB’s response was very slow.]
Based on experience, Valbuena said it takes two to three months for the LTFRB to process documents.
