LTO backs stiffer penalties, works with LTFRB on rules

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) supports the imposition of stricter penalties against erring public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

The LTO has been coordinating with the LTFRB in drafting guidelines that would ensure that drivers will be penalized for any infractions they have committed as part of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10930 (RA 10930).

RA 10930 extended the validity of drivers’ licenses to five years which can be renewed for a period of ten years if professional or nonprofessional drivers did not violate the law subject to restrictions of the LTO.

“LTO is in support of that to help impose discipline on erring drivers,” said LTO chief Edgar Galvante in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA). “I agree with the imposition of stiffer penalties as long as this would be justifiable based on our laws and policies.”

Galvante said the LTO has been cooperating with the LTFRB in apprehending colorum or out of line and unlicensed vehicles.

The LTFRB has proposed that the license of drivers be suspended for three months for the first offense and six months for the second offense, and that it be revoked for third offense.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 states that in the application of fines and penalties, the LTFRB shall count offenses against operators and not against a particular motor vehicle or certificate of public convenience (CPC) except colorum violations.

Some of these violations are refusal to render service to the public or convey passenger to destination; overcharging/undercharging of fare; allowing an unauthorized driver to drive PUV or allowing a driver to drive a PUV without bringing his/her driver’s license, among others. /