By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has ordered 34 operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to explain why their franchises should not be suspended or revoked after their units were reportedly absent from their authorized routes while being spotted near the rally sites in Quezon City.
In a statement released Wednesday, the LTFRB said it issued show-cause orders (SCOs) against operators of bus and UV Express units allegedly found at the protest areas instead of providing transport services to commuters along their designated routes.
The agency stressed that while it recognizes every Filipino’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, public utility vehicles are expected to continue delivering essential transportation services to the commuting public.
“While the LTFRB fully respects the right of every person to join protest actions to air grievances, there are other equally important considerations, particularly the welfare of commuters who rely on public transportation every day,” the agency said.
According to the LTFRB, the operators’ failure to deploy their vehicles disrupted transportation services and inconvenienced thousands of passengers who depended on their authorized routes.
The operators were cited for allegedly violating Paragraph 3 of LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2011-004, which requires franchise holders to continuously operate their units on approved routes to ensure adequate public transportation.
The 34 operators have been directed to submit notarized written explanations showing why administrative sanctions—including the suspension or cancellation of their certificates of public convenience—should not be imposed. The agency has scheduled a hearing on July 9.
The summons came a day after thousands of members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) held a surprise political rally in Quezon City that triggered widespread traffic congestion, particularly along the northbound lanes of EDSA.
The demonstrations continued on Wednesday after organizers secured a permit for a second day of protest, with participants expressing support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is facing a possible plunder case over alleged undeclared campaign contributions currently under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman.
The LTFRB reiterated that while citizens remain free to exercise their constitutional rights, operators of public utility vehicles also bear a legal responsibility to provide uninterrupted transport services to the riding public, especially during periods of heavy commuter demand.
ia/xf
