Phase out of old bus, minibus, group insists on 5-year moratorium

CEBU, Philippines - A transport organization remains steadfast in pushing for a five-year moratorium in the implementation of the policy that disallows registration of 15-year-old bus, minibus, and school transport service.

Romeo Armamento, vice president of the National Confederation of Transportworkers' Union, said a petition seeking for the court's intervention on the matter has already been filed.

"We were asking the court to grant our petition for a moratorium and just early this week, the Supreme Court has ordered the Department of Transportation and Communication to submit their formal reply on our petition," said Armamento.

Armamento's group is seeking for a moratorium in the implementation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board resolution pending the formulation of the National Transport Policy Framework.

"Ang among gusto mahibal-an nga kung ma phase out na ning mga buses, minibus ug school transport service unsa man ang alternatibong ihatag sa gobyerno? Sa pagkakaron, wa pa," Armamento added.

At least three transport groups in Cebu earlier requested for more time to buy brand new units. According to the transport operators, they need more time to comply with the policy because it is very expensive to acquire a brand new unit.

Despite the request for moratorium, the LTFRB has started implementing the resolution last year. The resolution mandated the strict observance nationwide of the 15-year age limit of buses and minibuses even if these units were issued a certificate of roadworthiness by the Motor Vehicle Inspection Section.

All units that are 15 years old and above shall not be allowed renewal of franchise and extension of validity of Certificate of Public Convenience. — (FREEMAN)