The Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued warning to drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) who will join the week-long transport strike on Monday, March 6 that they might face both administrative and criminal sanctions, including the revocation of their franchises.
Transportation Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Yebra made the statement in a news forum over the weekend.
“If you are a franchise holder, you have the obligation to give service to the public. If you fail to do it and instead go on strike, it’s as if you violated the conditions of your franchise, that can be revoked," he said.
Those going on strike can also be charged criminally if they hurt people or destroy property, Yebra continued.
“We want to emphasize that a franchise is not a right, it’s a mere privilege that the state can take back anytime if you do not comply [with the terms]. In other words, there are many mechanisms to protect our commuters both on the criminal and administrative aspects. We’re supported by the law on this," he said.
On Monday, several transport groups across the country gather to oppose the national govenrment's move to phaseout traditional jeepneys and UV express.
This comes despite the announcement of the Land Transportation Franchising Board (LTRB) to extend the franchise consolidation until December 31, 2023.
Transport group Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) also staged a protest at Monumento Circle in Caloocan, calling the government to suspend the planned public utility vehicle modernization program (PUV-MP).
