Bus operators in Cebu mull TRO vs. LTFRB

CEBU, Philippines - The bus operators in Cebu yesterday came up with a position paper opposing the impending implementation of a memorandum circular of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board fixing bus drivers’ wages.

Members of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association also agreed to seek the court’s intervention to stop the LTFRB from implementing it.

Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, said they have already asked their lawyer to prepare a petition to be filed in court. Flores said they will be seeking a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction from the court against the circular.

According to Flores, the bus drivers themselves are not in favor of the wage scheme proposed by the LTFRB because it will allegedly diminish their income.

“Hasta mga bus drivers, wala makauyon niini,” Flores said.

Flores explained that such wage scheme is not applicable in Cebu as it is a small area unlike Manila.

“Applicable na sa Manila, pero dili na haum sa Cebu,” he added. 

The LTFRB circular, which is set to be implemented on February, also requires bus operators to submit a certificate of compliance to the memorandum not later than July 30.

Failure to comply with the order will be used as ground for the immediate cancellation or revocation of their franchise.

No application for new Certificate of Public Convenience or renewal of existing CPCs will be entertained by the LTFRB unless the required certification is complied with.

The said circular likewise mandated that all bus drivers and conductors shall be entitled to retirement benefits and to all mandatory social security benefits such as memberships in the SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig as specified by law.    - (THE FREEMAN)