Traffic body asked to probe illegal trips

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the chairman of the City of Talisay-Traffic Operations and Development Authority, is asking the transportation enforcement arm to go after illegal public utility vehicles making illegal trips into the city.

Villarante said there are groups of PUJ plying the Tabunok-Cebu City route that continue to do illegal trips.

In his letter addressed to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon and Land Transportation Office Regional Director Arnel Tancinco, the vice mayor is asking to conduct regular joint operations at least two times a week against illegal PUJ operating the area.

"The pressing problem (caused) by the group of PUJ plying the Tabunok-Cebu City still exists," Villarante said, adding that last August 18, 19 and 20, a joint operation was conducted and several PUJ drivers were arrested.

However, Villarante pointed out that Bulacao-Pardo-Cebu City plying PUJs are still extending their trip even up to Tabunok flyover. 

"These are illegal operations," Villarante stressed.

He said that illegal operations of the drivers occur from 7 o'clock in the evening until 7 o'clock in the morning.

"We are requesting you to kindly advice us of your future schedules so we could extend the least support we could offer in order to make the future operations successful," Villarante told LTFRB and LTO in his letter.  — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)