LTFRB issues SCO for modern jeep operator for ‘overloading’
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the operator of an allegedly overloaded modern jeepney after one of its passengers supposedly “lost consciousness” along Marcos Highway in Pasig City.
LTRB Chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz III ordered the transport cooperative to explain in writing why its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be revoked or suspended for alleged violation of “overloading of passengers.”
The company or its representative was also directed to appear before the Board on February 16, 2023, 10 a.m. at the LTFRB hearing room, 4th floor, LTFRB Central Office, East Avenue, Quezon City.
The cooperative was ordered to provide an answer to the order within five days from receipt. Failure to provide an answer and non-appearance in the case hearing will be deemed a waiver on the part of the respondent to be heard, and the case will be decided based on LTFRB’s records.
The LTFRB chief warned public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to refrain from the old practice of “overloading” and should always keep in mind the safety of the commuting public.
He stressed that overloading is “dangerous” not just in cases of road crashes but also in contracting COVID-19 since the country is still under a national public health emergency.
“This means that PUVs (public utility vehicles) should still observe proper distancing in terms of the number of passengers they can accommodate. Thus, overloading should not be allowed under any circumstance,” Guadiz said.
“Pandemic or not, overloading is dangerous and should not be practiced by PUV drivers just for them to earn money and meet their boundaries. No amount of money can equate to the safety of passengers, especially now that COVID-19 is still here,” he added.
