Jeepney groups urged: Forego strike
The Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (IACT) is appealing to jeepney operators to drop their plan for another transport strike days after it launched its campaign that go after jeepneys that are not roadworthy.
“We welcome transport groups holding strikes about jeepney modernization program but if it is because of our campaign for jeepneys’ roadworthiness, we hope not,” said I-ACT head Tim Orbos on Wednesday amid reports of a looming transport strike.
Orbos said transport groups have the right to hold demonstrations as long as they do not inconvenience the public.
Jeepney operators also have the responsibility to keep passengers safe by complying with government regulations on roadworthiness, he said.
Since the campaign began on Monday, hundreds of jeepneys have been found to be rundown, emitting excessive smoke, or having defective spare parts and accessories.
Some drivers were also found to have expired licenses and wearing improper outfits.
IACT members issued subpoena to drivers of flagged-down vehicles, directing them to bring their vehicles to the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) before the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
MVIS are used in evaluating the roadworthiness of PUVs currently undergoing registration process or those apprehended for smoke-belching or having broken wipers, among other violations.
Failure to pass said the inspection will result in the suspension of the vehicle’s franchise.
The LTO has two refurbished and fully operating motor vehicle inspection systems (MVIS) lanes its main office in East Avenue, Quezon City and two more MVIS lanes in LTO Pasay City.
“We are not threatened by any strike on the issue of jeepney’s roadworthiness. We will not retreat, surrender, not given an inch on road safety and road worthiness,” Orbos vowed.
The campaign is in line with President Duterte’s directive to remove dilapidated and jeepneys unfit for the road beginning this year.
I-ACT is a panel made up of LTO, Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and traffic enforcement units of Metro Manila LGUs.
Under the three-year PUV modernization program, old and dilapidated units would be replaced with environmentfriendly and fuel-efficient units.