Dad to file reso lifting commuter vans' suspension

THE Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) transportation and communication committee chair Conrado Baluran eyes to pass next week a resolution lifting the suspension of operation of northbound commuter vans in Davao.

Baluran, in an interview yesterday, said there is highest probability that the drivers will return to their normal operations on Tuesday.

“Atleast naa pud gibuhat ang city government kay duna tay request (At least the city has done something with the request),” he said.

Baluran added that they were supposed to pass the same resolution last Tuesday but they decided to postpone it.

“Dili man pud mageffect ang ilang constructive suspension kung wala juy ginatawag na pagpahulay sa ilang operation (The LTFRB constructive suspension will not take effect if there will be suspension of their operations),” he said.

The committee hearing was conducted yesterday to inquire about the situation of the van operators after the tragic van incident that involved a passenger van in Tibungco last June 14.

During the hearing, the mandatory speed limit, expansion of the

coverage for areas that can be established with terminals will be expanded. The maximum number of passengers of van was also discussed.

Baluran said they also eye to pass a resolution to avoid overloading.

LTFRB regional director Teresita Yniguez said on July 27, a consultative meeting of the van operators and will be held with LTRB Secretary Martin Delgra who will decide whether the suspension will be lifted or not.

Yñiguez, during the committee hearing, said 20 van driver’s association representatives will meet the secretary at Linnmar Hotel.

Tagging of the van with franchise will also be conducted in coordination with the LTFRB.

“Markahan ang mga units didto kung asa dunay franchise ang wala kay dili ka biyahe (The units will be marked and those who have no franchise will not be allowed to operate),” Baluran said.

Meanwhile, northbound van operators are also pushing for the lifting of the suspension as, according them, some drivers are already being affected by it.

Ben Linsag, among the 109 van operators present during the consultative meeting, said northbound vans under his management follow rules of one hour interval.

“Displinado ang mga drayber…walay ginukdanay mahitabo sa amoa (Our drivers are disciplined, they are not speeding),” he said.

Linsag said he is a city councilor in Mati City, who is also seated as the committe of transportation chair in the area.

He said he also acts as a consultant of two coop van terminals, which travel betweem Mati City and Davao City.