LTFRB warns school shuttle operators on June 13 strike

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) warned school shuttle operators that their franchise would be revoked if they join the strike on the opening of the school year to protest the phaseout of units that are more than 15 years old.

“Regarding the planned transport strike of school service to be led by De Luna and Dela Paz, the board will exercise its full power to suspend or cancel franchises of public utility vehicle operators who will join them,” LTFRB chair Winston Ginez said in a statement.

Ginez was referring to Efren de Luna, chair of Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), and Celso dela Paz, president of National Alliance School Service Association of the Philippines (Nassap), an Acto affiliate.

He reminded the group that the moratorium granted last year required Nassap members to submit an affidavit stating they will have new units come 2016.

But De Luna on Tuesday said their protest action will push through on

June 13, adding that Ginez was only scared of the resulting shortage of service vehicles.

“What will be our violation? What cancellation is he talking about when he already phased out our units. We will not go out to ferry students but to protest the phaseout and ask for an extension,” De Luna said.

Board member Ariel Inton said a school service transport strike presupposes that there is already a contract with the school or the parents.

“Not only can the franchise be canceled, but it’s a breach of contract. The operators are opening themselves up to lawsuits,” Inton said.