Cebu PUV operators back Shepherd Badge program

CEBU, Philippines - Majority of public utility vehicle operators in Cebu does not oppose the implementation of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s proposed “Shepherd Badge Program”.

Ryan Benjamin Yu, chairman and general manager of the City Integrated Transport Cooperative, said that they are not opposed to the program as it is beneficial to operators.

Richard Cabucos, president of the Metro Cebu taxi Operators Association, also said that the program is a positive development which is one way of eradicating abusive drivers.

“Support mi ani nga programa kay daghang mga drivers nga ilaha lang biyaan ang mga taxi units labi na kadtong di makabayad sa abang,” said Cabucos.

Romeo Armamento, national vice president of the National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Union-Central Visayas, said that they also support the program but they will be “critical” when it comes to the implementation.

Armamento said that LTFRB should study first all the provisions before implementing it considering that there are jeepney drivers who cannot fully understand the English language.

Under the Shepherd Badge Program, the board is empowered to have an effective and efficient database management and ID/Badge system that will properly record and monitor the training programs, competency assessments and certifications of PUV drivers and conductors undergo and secure from relevant training centers and government agencies; road accidents and traffic and franchise violations.

It will also enable the LTFRB to issue badges to PUV drivers and conductors which are counterfeit-proof, eco-friendly and durable.

It will likewise mandate that only drivers and conductors that have LTFRB badges will be allowed to drive and operate PUVs.

Under the proposal, it provides that PUV operators who allow their drivers and conductors who do not have LTFRB-issued Shepherd badges to operate their PUVs shall be penalized by P5,000 for the first offense;  P10,000 for the second offense and suspension of the subject PUV for three months; and P15,000 for the third and subsequent offenses and suspension of the subject PUV for six months.

The proposed measure added that persons caught driving PUVs without Shepherd Badges and who are tagged in the database system as violators of traffic and franchise rules shall never be issued Shepherd badges and will be banned from operating PUVs.

LTFRB Executive Director Roberto Cabrera, who presided over the public hearing on the new program yesterday, said that the event was a fruitful one and there will be a series of public consultations on the program.

“Iba-iba yung concerns ng mga transport operators and we are taking all of these to ensure smooth implementation of this program before the end of the year or before the terms of President Aquino ends,” said Cabrera.

Cabrera further said that transport groups or associations located in major cities will still be consulted before the program will be implemented. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ATO (FREEMAN)