Transport groups in Aklan want LTO-LTFRB admin order junked

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Public transport groups in Aklan joined calls to scrap the implementation of the controversial Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 imposing stiffer fines and penalties on transport and franchise violations. 

Federation of Aklan Integrated Public Transport Inc. (FAIPTI) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON)-Aklan staged the transport caravan on April 22 along the major streets in Kalibo, Aklan. 

The joint administrative order of Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued on June 2, 2014 prescribed the revised schedule of fines and penalties for traffic violations.

The administrative order replaced the LTO Department No. 2008-39.

Felix Sefres, Jr., FAIPTI president and PISTON Aklan provincial coordinator, slammed the administrative order, saying “JAO is the government’s legal form of extortion from the so meager income of small drivers and operators."

Militant groups also supported the protest actions of PISTON in junking the administrative order in front of the transport terminals in the Western and Eastern side of Aklan.  

The transport groups composed mainly of drivers and operators of public utility vehicles then converged at Crossing Banga-New Washington where a main program of the nationally coordinated protest action was staged. 

“The passage and implementation of JAO without due consultation with the transport sector and the people in general, is a violation of law. JAO is not only a money making tool but a subtle way of phasing-out small transport operators, workers and drivers,” said Kim-Sin F. Tugna, provincial chairperson of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay)-Aklan and Anakpawis coordinator in Aklan in a statement.