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Transport group seeks leniency on penalties imposed on PUV franchises


A transport group on Monday asked the Land Transport and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) to be considerate when it came to penalties imposed on public utility vehicle franchises.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Balitanghali, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) President Orlando Marquez said some drivers were still unable to operate as they could not pay the interest on their franchise.

Marquez also said that interest should be waived for those who did not renew their franchise and registration during the pandemic since most PUV routes were halted.

“Kaya kami ngayon hindi namin alam kung saan kami susulong, lalong-lalo na pinagbabayad kami ng penalties na hindi naman kami nakabiyahe. Ito ang aming gustong idulog at sana maintindihan kami ng LTFRB at LTO dahil kapag hindi ka nakapag-rehistro ng dalawang taon, i-penalty ka rin sa LTO,” Orlando said.

(So we don't know how to move forward, particularly because we are paying penalties even though we could not operate. This is what we want to raise and we hope the LTFRB and LTO could understand us because if we could not register for two years, we will also pay the penalties.)

Asked if their group had talked with the LTFRB, Orlando said they had discussed the matter with the agency and were waiting for their response.

GMA News has sought comment from LTFRB Chairperson Atty. Cheloy Garafil, but she has yet to respond as of posting time.

GMA News had also reached out to they LTO, but they too have yet to respond. — Mel Matthew Doctor/DVM, GMA News