DOTR denies ignoring PUV sector’s concerns
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) denied the accusations of transport group Manibela that the agency failed to address the various concerns of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators.
The DOTR, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC) over the past week have been engaged in consultations with the PUV drivers and operators regarding their concerns such as the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP).
“The LTFRB has always been fair in implementing its mandate based on the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG) either to corporations or cooperatives.
“The DOTr, LTFRB and OTC are open and willing to hold dialogues with any group who has legitimate concerns and we vow to address such concerns through consultations and forum,” the DOTR said.
The DOTR is challenging Manibela to prove their allegations with concrete proof and evidence.
“Clearly, their planned ‘strike’ is intended to gain media attention and public sympathy, but not to address the legitimate concerns of PUV drivers and operators.
“Their group is free to stage any form of protest. However, DOTR will not be held hostage. The whole country and innocent commuters will not be blackmailed every time this group does not get what it wants,” the DOTR said.
