PUJ drivers cut trips to avoid apprehension

THE first day of the anti-Smoke Belching Law implementation caused a headache for commuters as public utility jeepneys (PUJs) in the uptown area suddenly cut their trips to avoid apprehension.

City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) chief Engineer Armen Cuenca said PUJs in the uptown area where they are operating, chose not to travel while others cut trips and made passengers walk.

“We monitored zero trips in the uptown area because they are sure they are all violating the smoke belching law. But we will continue to implement it until we get them all,” Cuenca said.

In the meantime, Cuenca said he will request mini buses either from the city government or from the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to carry passengers if PUJs are not available.

Cutting trips is a violation, Cuenca said, adding that he will make sure they will be held accountable.

City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a meanwhile called on operators and drivers of PUJ to adhere to the law.

“What we are doing now is stepping up standards and governance, and ensuring the protection of our environment,”he said.

“We cannot live the old way. We have freedom but it should come with responsibility,” he added.

Violators of the anti-Smoke Belching Law will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for second and subsequent offenses, and will be required to undergo a seminar on pollution control and management.

Non-compliance can lead to suspension of Motor Vehicle Registration for a period of 6 months to 1 year for the third offense.

Section of 8 of the AntiSmoke Belching law also provides no apprehended motor vehicle shall be accepted for registration by the LTO without the Certificate of Emission Compliance.