The Cebu City Council scheduled a public hearing on Joint Administration Order No. 2014-01 issued by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that raises the fines for the operation of so-called colorum vehicles on July 16.
Cebu City Councilor Gerardo Carillo, who filed a resolution for the public hearing, said the transportation strike held last June 19 isn’t the solution for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators affected by the order.
“It is important to clarify with the transport sector, drivers and operators the various issues and concerns affecting their situation, specifically their stand on the status of JAO 2014-01,” Carillo said.
The recent transport strike stranded scores of commuters in Metro Cebu.
(CDN File Photo)
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he promised transport groups that he would help bring their concerns to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchsing and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Rama said he also plans to include Citrasco as one of the awardees during Cebu City’s 2015 Charter Day celebration for withdrawing their petition for a P2.50 fare increase because “it spared Cebuanos of an added burden.”
Carillo, the council’s transport committee chairperson, said it is important for the city government to also hear especially the drivers’ sentiments on JAO No. 2014-01 and the excessive fines to be imposed on violators that could amount to as much as P1 million.
“This JAO No. 2014-01 according to (some transport groups) didn’t undergo the correct process of enactment, providing only for one public consultation which is not enough to ratify the said order,” he said.
The City Council also invited LTO and LTFRB officials to explain the order in the hearing.
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