Due to Jeepney Holiday: LGUs Fielded Buses for Stranded Passengers

●City deploys kaoshiung buses, dump trucks and even cargo trucks to carry all stranded passengers en route to northern and southern part of the Metro Cebu.

Following the surprise transport strike staged by local Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers Thursday morning that stranded more than a hundred commuters in Cebu, local government units (LGUs) fielded air-conditioned vehicles late afternoon today to provide free rides.

Authorities said this is just in case the striking drivers will totally stop operation.

Earlier today, PUJ drivers staged an unannounced transport holiday to protest harsher penalties being implemented starting Thursday by the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) that released a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 or the Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of laws, rules, and regulations governing land transportation.

LTFRB

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon, who is in Manila today, said he is in favor of the newly implemented regulation. Cuizon swears to summon all operators who joined today’s transport strike.

Cuizon, in an interview this morning, challenged all protesting drivers and operators and warned to confiscate all their (operators) franchises, unless they can show legal basis to the strike, which disrupts works and classes.

PISTON

Pagkakaisa nga mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) – Cebu Coordinator Greg Perez said they are against the implementation of this law. Perez described the law as ‘unconstitutional.’

He said the law has lined up penalties and fines that prompted local drivers to stage the strike.

Aside from PISTON, members of City Integrated Transport Cooperative Inc. (CITRASCO) are also joined the jeepney holiday along with other independent drivers and operators.

Edito Himpeso of CITRASCO earlier said that over 30,000 strikers will only hold a one-day strike. He said they would go back to their respective transport routes tomorrow.

Offenses and Fines

Driving without license has a penalty of P3,000, driving under the influence of liquors and illegal drugs, P10,000; driving vehicles used in crimes, P10,000; reckless driving and other violations.

Kaoshiong Bus

The Cebu City government deploys Kaoshiung buses, dump trucks and even cargo trucks to carry all stranded passengers en route to the northern and southern part of the Metro Cebu.

Cities of Talisay, Mandaue and Lapulapu also readies their vehicles in response to the transport strike of PUJ drivers that started 8:00 am Thursday.

City Mayors Mike Rama, Jonas Cortes, Paz Radaza and Johnny delos Reyes have aired the same sentiments against the present transport dilemma. They said they are ready to support the DOTC law that disciplines all drivers who violate traffic rules and regulations.

Mayor Mike Rama orders to suspend elementary and high school classes in Cebu City at 3 pm, while giving discretion to private schools.