Review on controversial traffic rules done

CEBU, Philippines - One of the Land Transportation Office-7 officials reviewing the controversial administrative order imposing stiffer penalties for traffic violators said that the review was already done and a final order is expected to be out anytime this month.

LTO-7 director Arnel Tancinco said that their recommendation has been forwarded to Secretary Emilio Abaya of the Department of Transportations and Communication.

“I was told that our recommendation was already on the table of Secretary Abaya. He has no objection but wa pa sad niya pirmahi,” Tancinco said.

According to Tancinco, the traffic fines and penalties stay the same in their recommendations. Tancinco also clarified that pending approval of the recommendations of the review committee the original provisions under the controversial Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 are still in effect.

The review was earlier agreed during a dialogue between officials of LTO, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and various transport leaders in Cebu. Transport leaders want the penalties to be lowered.

The controversial order, according to LTO and LTFRB officials, is designed to instill road discipline especially among drivers of public utility vehicles and clampdown on unregistered vehicles or those engaged in “colorum” operation.

The order was jointly implemented by the DOTC, LTO and LTFRB on July 19, 2014 despite opposition from different transport groups nationwide.  (FREEMAN)