Stricter sanctions vs erring PUVs
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:03:00 10/28/2008
Filed Under: Transport, Accidents (general)
MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) has imposed stricter sanctions against public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and companies involved in road accidents, an official said on Tuesday.
Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Thompson Lantion said the directive of DoTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza was to immediately suspend the license of any PUV driver involved in a road accident, particularly those resulting in deaths.
At the same time, the LTFRB should immediately issue a cease and desist order against the PUV company involved, Lantion added.
Under LTFRB rules, the agency has the capacity to suspend by not more than 30 days the franchise class, or the particular franchise route, of a PUV pending investigation, he said.
“The LTFRB can suspend by not more than 30 days if there is an accident, especially if someone has died as a result of it. The PUV firm can be suspended pending investigation. That is why there is a show cause order and immediate hearing. That is according to regulation and the law,” Lantion said in Filipino.
The move by Mendoza, Lantion said, was to serve as a warning to PUVs after the two road accidents that occurred within the month.
Two speeding buses rammed a Mercedes Benz along EDSA last October 21, leading to the death of Dr. Francisco Sarabia and leaving three others injured.
On Monday, a jeepney fell into a ravine in Batangas province, leaving nine dead and several others injured.
“Dapat pag-iingat eh, importante ang kaligtasan ng buhay ng tao [We should be careful, the safety of people is important],” Lantion said.
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