INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Tuesday issued a show cause order against the operator of an allegedly overloaded modern jeepney after one of its passengers apparently lost consciousness along Marcos Highway in Pasig City.
According to LTFRB in a statement, Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III ordered Easyway Serv and Multipurpose Cooperative to explain in writing why its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be revoked or suspended for alleged violation of “overloading of passengers.”
The company or its representative was ordered to come before the board on Feb. 16, 10 a.m. at the LTFRB Central Office in Quezon City.
The company was also instructed to respond to the order within five days, or they will be held to have waived the right to be heard, and the matter will be decided using the board’s records.
Guadiz in the same statement then warned public utility vehicle operators to refrain from the old practice of “overloading” and should always keep in mind the safety of the commuting public.
Considering the ongoing national public health emergency, he emphasized that overloading is risky not only in the event of traffic accidents but also in the event that one contracts COVID-19.
“This means that PUVs should still observe proper distancing in terms of the number of passengers they can accommodate. Thus, overloading should not be allowed under any circumstance,” Guadiz said.
“Pandemic or not, overloading is dangerous and should not be practiced by PUV drivers just for them to earn money and meet their boundary. No amount of money can equate to the safety of passengers, especially now that COVID-19 is still here,” he added. Kimberly D. Albaño, INQUIRER.net intern
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